North Carolina is making key roster adjustments through the transfer portal, which remains open until April 22. Hubert Davis aims to fill crucial gaps, particularly after losing RJ Davis, the program’s second-leading scorer. The Tar Heels have already bolstered their lineup with a 6’6″ guard from West Virginia who posted 8.3 points per game last season.
As UNC navigates the portal, the focus remains on assembling a competitive squad for the upcoming season while strategically addressing key departures and strengthening the roster through experienced additions.
Players Exiting UNC Basketball
RJ Davis, Jae’Lyn Withers
Both starters in UNC’s March Madness loss to Ole Miss have completed their collegiate eligibility, with no further updates on their status.
Jalen Washington
The 6’10” center is transferring after three seasons with the Tar Heels. Hampered by knee injuries, he missed the first nine games of his freshman year. This season, he averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Elliot Cadeau
After two seasons as UNC’s primary point guard, Cadeau is heading to Michigan. The sophomore started 68 of 74 games, recording 231 assists this season but also leading the ACC with 113 turnovers.
Players Entering UNC Basketball
Jonathan Powell
The 6’6″ wing joins UNC after a strong freshman season at West Virginia. Powell started 23 games for the Mountaineers, averaging 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds. He proved to be a reliable perimeter threat, hitting 35.2% from beyond the arc. With three years of eligibility remaining, he adds depth to the Tar Heels’ roster.
UNC Struggles to Land Top Guards in Transfer Portal
With the season concluded and the transfer portal open, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis and new general manager Jim Tanner have pursued several top players. However, they missed out on key targets, including Dedan Thomas Jr., who committed to LSU after averaging 15.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists at UNLV.
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The Tar Heels also fell short on Donovan Dent, who left New Mexico for UCLA. With Bennett Stitz, Thomas, Dent, and Adrian Wooley all committed, no five-star guards remain in the portal, per 247Sports.
UNC, needing a scoring and facilitating guard after losing RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau, has limited options. Virginia’s Isaac McKneely has narrowed his choices to Louisville and Tennessee, eliminating UNC.
Meanwhile, Silas Demary Jr., Xavier’s Ryan Conwell, and Georgia Tech’s Naithan George are still available, but the urgency to secure a playmaker is growing.
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