Tar Heel fans are buzzing as Alabama forward Jarin Stevenson has committed to North Carolina, as reported by Joe Tipton of On3sports. The Chapel Hill native’s transfer marks a homecoming for the former top-25 recruit who spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Crimson Tide.
The 6’11” forward, who entered the transfer portal on April 9 with a “do not contact” tag, returns to familiar territory. Stevenson’s mother, Nicole Walker Stevenson, was a standout at UNC from 1995 to 1998, winning three ACC championships during her career. She established a family legacy that Jarin will now continue.
Hometown Hero Returns After 2 Seasons with Crimson Tide
Stevenson’s journey to UNC comes after playing 74 games for Alabama over two seasons, starting 27 of them. During the 2024-25 campaign, he started 22 of 37 games, averaging 5.4 points on 42.9% shooting and 3.4 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game.
NEWS: Alabama transfer forward Jarin Stevenson, a Chapel Hill native, has committed to North Carolina, source tells @On3sports.
Former top-25 recruit. https://t.co/Ilj6MPF5uu pic.twitter.com/wGkMgGPMDl
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 14, 2025
Born in Chapel Hill, Stevenson was previously the No. 1 ranked prospect in North Carolina coming out of high school. Despite UNC being considered a favorite during his initial recruitment, he chose Alabama under coach Nate Oats before eventually finding his way back home.
The former Seaforth High School star was the 2023 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. During his junior season, he averaged 21.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 2.7 assists. His high school dominance earned him the No. 21 overall ranking in the 2023 class.
Stevenson Set to Bolster Tar Heels’ Frontcourt
For UNC, Stevenson’s arrival comes at a crucial time as the program looks to rebound from a challenging 2024-25 season. The Tar Heels finished 23-14 overall and 13-7 in ACC play, barely making the NCAA Tournament as the “Last Team In” before being eliminated in the first round by Ole Miss.
The rising junior brings valuable size and experience to Hubert Davis’ squad. Stevenson’s versatility as a 6’11” forward who can stretch the floor could be exactly what the Tar Heels need to return to national prominence.
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Stevenson has already experienced a significant moment against UNC while playing for Alabama. During the 2024 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, his Crimson Tide defeated UNC at the crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a “full circle moment” for the Chapel Hill native that now takes on new meaning as he wears Carolina blue.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Stevenson has ample time to make his mark at UNC. As one fan noted on X “the heels are back” reflecting the excitement surrounding this key addition to a program eager to reclaim its place among college basketball’s elite.
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