Tag: College Basketball Transfer Portal

Deja Kelly spills the tea on leaving UNC

Deja Kelly threw some shade – or did she – at her former Tar Heel teammates. Kelly will play her final season of college basketball at Oregon.

At first glance, one could link the North Carolina Tar Heels’ recent success in women’s basketball to star guard Deja Kelly.

UNC made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances: the first round in 2021, a Sweet 16 run the following season, plus it earned spots in both the 2023 and 2024 second rounds.

Kelly increased her scoring average each season, starting at 11 points per game in 2020-2021. Kelly then averaged 16.5, 16.5 and 16.3 points per game in her succeeding seasons, proving she could be an offensive leader for North Carolina.

In the offseason, Kelly shocked Tar Heel Nation and announced she’d be transferring to Oregon. We finally learned the reason why on Tuesday:

“I was a big part of that program that’s back on the national stage, and I ultimately just carried that program on my back for four years in the most humble way,” Kelly said in a TikTok Video via Keeping It Heel. “Being a leader, a face of a program is not easy, and it comes with a lot of BS a lot of people cannot handle. So, I give kudos to myself for being able to handle all this stuff that I went through for the past four years. That position is not for everybody. I am completely confident that it has made me way stronger mentally.”

Considering how much help Kelly had over her UNC career, particularly last year with Alyssa Ustby, Lexi Donarski and Maria Gakdeng, this feels like a slap in the face. It also sounds like Kelly wanted out for a while and wasn’t a team player, which is a key part of the college game.

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Tar Heels could be adding a former Yellow Jacket in basketball transfer portal

The UNC men’s basketball team offered yet another forward in the transfer portal.

The UNC men’s basketball team looked to the transfer portal to fill a couple starting spots for its upcoming season, which starts on Monday, Nov. 4 against Elon at the Dean Dome.

North Carolina originally snagged Cade Tyson from Belmont, then later Ven-Allen Lubin from Vanderbilt.

It doesn’t appear that head coach Hubert Davis is done fine-tuning the Tar Heels’ 2024-2025 roster.

On Saturday Aug. 10, it was reported that UNC reached out to Georgia Tech transfer Tyzhaun Claude. A Goldsboro, North Carolina native, Claude spent his first three seasons at Morehead State before transferring to Western Carolina.

Claude appeared in 32 games (four starts) for the Yellow Jackets last year, averaging 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Claude’s best collegiate season was the year before at Western Carolina, where he broke out to average a career-high 15.4 points per game.

If the Tar Heels are able to land Claude, who stands 6’7″, he’d likely be a reserve forward.

Snagging Claude isn’t a must-get for UNC, but he also couldn’t hurt. North Carolina doesn’t have a ton of depth at small forward, as 5-star freshman Ian Jackson and Drake Powell are likely to split time at that spot.

Good teams always have depth, something the Tar Heels have struggled with in recent years. Here’s to hoping Claude chooses UNC.

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Ven-Allen Lubin details why he chose the Tar Heels

You’ll want to read why Ven-Allen Lubin chose the UNC men’s basketball team in the transfer portal.

The North Carolina Tar Heels’ men’s basketball program knew that after last season ended, they’d have to address roster holes through the transfer portal.

All-time UNC great Armando Bacot ran out of eligibility, as did starting small forward Cormac Ryan. Harrison Ingram, last year’s starting power forward, declared for the NBA Draft. There was question about RJ Davis moving on, but he decided to return.

Suddenly, for a program that prides itself on post play, there weren’t a ton of experienced post players.

After swinging and missing on several top transfer portal recruits, North Carolina nabbed its first addition in Belmont transfer Cade Tyson, who figures to slot into Ryan’s role. Two months later – in May – the Tar Heels addressed another hole with Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin. If I had to guess, Lubin starts at power forward.

Now, three months later, we finally hear from the newest UNC basketball player to don Carolina blue. See why he chose Chapel Hill as his next hoops destination:

“The past two years of my college experience, I haven’t been able to experience being in the NCAA Tournament,” Lubin told InsideCarolina’s Adam Smith.” And I know that North Carolina has a history of being on that stage. So I know that they’ll take me there to be able to experience it this year firsthand, and go even further than we did last year.”

Lubin, entering his junior season, spent last year at Vanderbilt. He spent freshman year at Notre Dame, where he was teammates with Ryan, which played a factor in him choosing the Tar Heels.

“As soon as I heard UNC was looking at me, I knew I had to hit him (Cormac) up,” Lubin told Smith. “He just said it’s going to be great for you to expose yourself to the biggest stage in your life, really. He said, ‘it’s going to be a great opportunity for you to show who you are, and what you’re capable of. And if you want to go to the next level, that’s the place for you.'”

Lubin started all 26 games he appeared in for the Commodores last year, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. I can’t wait to see him produce in Carolina Blue.

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Basketball transfer portal target Coleman Hawkins chooses Kansas State over UNC

Maybe missing out on Coleman Hawkins wasn’t the worst thing in UNC’s transfer portal pursuits.

The UNC men’s basketball team struck out, once again, chasing a top target in the transfer portal.

North Carolina’s latest miss was Coleman Hawkins, the big man who – last season – led Illinois to its first Elite 8 appearance since 2005. Hawkins averaged 6.1 rebounds and a career-high 12.1 points per game, so when he initially entered his name in the transfer portal, it came as no surprise he has plenty of suitors.

The Tar Heels are in need of an experienced starting center. They already have Jalen Washington and Zayden High on the roster, plus incoming freshman James Brown, but Washington is the only one with extensive experience – and he was a reserve last year.

I like the idea of Washington starting, but it’s discouraging to see UNC strike out on these top talents.

On Friday, June 14, Hawkins announced that he’d be transferring to Kansas State. The Wildcats, like the Fighting Illini, made the Elite 8 last year.

If there was any speculation about Hawkins chasing money in the transfer portal, his NIL deal at K-State confirms that speculation. Hawkins’ deal is reported to be over $2 million.

North Carolina did add a couple starters in the transfer portal, though, snagging Cade Tyson from Belmont and Ven-Allen Lubin from Vanderbilt. Tyson is expected to replace Cormac Ryan at small forward, while Lubin will likely replace Harrison Ingram at power forward.

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UNC named a potential landing spot for top basketball transfer portal target

If top college hoops transfer portal target Coleman Hawkins wants to start immediately, he’d be wise to join the Tar Heels.

Even without a ton of incoming activity, the North Carolina Tar Heels are a winner in the college basketball transfer portal.

UNC snagged a major scoring reinforcement on Thursday, May 9, nabbing Cade Tyson from Belmont University. Exactly two weeks later, North Carolina found its replacement at starting power forward in Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin.

The Tar Heels’ only loss was James Okonkwo, a rarely-used reserve forward who transferred to Akron. There was hope Okonkwo would play more this upcoming season with Armando Bacot’s departure, but that’s not a guarantee.

UNC still has one more transfer portal goal, an experienced center, which seems that much more of a possibility now.

On Thursday, May 30, North Carolina was linked as College Sports Wire’s number two landing spot for Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins, who recently withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.

“The Tar Heels recently added Ven-Allen Lubin from Vanderbilt to shore up depth in the frontcourt, but after losing both Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram this offseason it makes sense for North Carolina to keep looking for more help,” Andy Patton wrote. “Hawkins would fit nicely alongside Lubin and rising junior Jalen Washington up front, and should see plenty of action in Hubert Davis’ system. If the Heels are willing to pony up, this is a nice fit for them as they try to keep up with Duke’s electric recruiting class.”

If UNC is able to snag Hawkins, I imagine him starting at center from Day One. Hawkins is 6’10”, coming off a career-high 12.1 points per game last season and – most importantly – he comes from a winning program that made the Elite Eight last season.

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Where UNC basketball’s transfer class ranks per 247Sports

The North Carolina Tar Heels’ transfer portal additions of Ven-Allen Lubin and Cade Tyson have them Top-10 in the ACC.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are going to be set for the coming college basketball season.

It’ll be weird not seeing Armando Bacot suiting up, plus I’m sure it’ll take some time adjusting to no Harrison Ingram. The duo provided a rare, solid 2-man post presence not seen since the Isaiah Hicks-Kennedy Meeks days.

UNC is still searching for an experienced center in the transfer portal, but will be set even without one. Jalen Washington has been waiting two years behind Bacot for the starting center role, a spot which he deserves every bit of.

Even with just two additions in the portal, Cade Tyson (Belmont) and Ven-Allen Lubin (Vanderbilt), North Carolina only lost rarely-used James Okonkwo to the portal.

This activity ranks the Tar Heels in the ACC’s Top 10 transfer rankings.

“UNC jumped into the top 10 following Ven-Allen Lubin’s commitment on Thursday,” Grant Hughes wrote. “The Tar Heels only have two transfers (the fewest on this list), but they’re two of the best. Cade Tyson is the highest-ranked transfer to commit to an ACC school this offseason, while Lubin gives UNC upside in the frontcourt after averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore at Vanderbilt last season. UNC’s average rating per transfer (94.0) leads the ACC and ranks No. 7 in the nation.”

There’s a solid chance UNC still adds a player or two, as North Carolina is linked to the likes of Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins and Kentucky’s Ugonna Onyenso.

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Does Ven-Allen Lubin’s commitment to UNC basketball guarantee him a starting spot?

The Tar Heels should immediately make Ven-Allen Lubin their starting power forward for the coming season.

Thursday was a big day for the UNC basketball program.

After coming so close to landing the likes of coveted transfers Oumar Ballo, Aaron Bradshaw and Cliff Omoruyi – only for them to choose other schools – North Carolina finally grabbed Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin.

The Tar Heels had post players before Lubin’s addition – Jae’Lyn Withers, Jalen Washington, Zayden High and incoming freshman James Brown – but none with extensive college experience.

Lubin started all 26 games for the Commodores last year, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He recorded five double-doubles, something UNC enjoyed a lot of with Armando Bacot over the last five seasons.

Given that Lubin is 6’8″, I foresee most of his minutes at power forward, with the occasional switch over to small forward or center. This puts North Carolina in a pickle at the 4-spot, as Jae’Lyn Withers was slated to be the starter, after backing up Harrison Ingram last year.

Withers only started three games during the 2023-2024 campaign, averaging 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Lubin is an immediate upgrade, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hubert Davis use Withers and Lubin in a tandem.

Washington’s number are similar to Withers (3.9 points, 2.6 rebounds per game), but he’s a center. High played even less (0.8 points in 4.5 minutes per game), but he’ll likely play as a reserve.

To put it simply, I would be shocked if Lubin isn’t starting from Day One.

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A top UNC basketball transfer portal target stepping foot on campus today

Will Hubert Davis snag his second addition in the transfer portal today?

The North Carolina Tar Heels were lucky to only see one player depart in the college basketball transfer portal, but they haven’t enjoyed that same success with incoming players.

Some people call the transfer portal free agency for college sports, particularly with NIL money being offered to try and sway decisions. There’s fans who like the portal, but others who don’t.

I personally like the portal, in part because head UNC men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis showcasing an ability to bring in impactful transfers. He did it during his first offseason with Brady Manek, last year with Harrison Ingram and Cormac, plus recently with Cade Tyson.

North Carolina has the chance to bring in another top portal player: Vanderbilt’s Ven-Allen Lubin, whom the Tar Heels recently showed interest in and scheduled a visit with.

Lubin started all 26 games last season for the Commodores, averaging 12.3 points per game on 50% shooting, 6.3 rebounds per game and a team-high one block per game.

That visit UNC scheduled? It’s today, May 14 – and we’re hoping Lubin leaves with a scholarship offer.

If North Carolina is lucky to land Lubin, who was a rare bright spot on a Vandy team that failed to reach 10 wins, I imagine he’ll compete with Jae’Lyn Withers for the Tar Heels’ starting power forward position. Lubin has the starting experience Withers doesn’t, but Withers knows the system.

Fingers crossed for some good news this week.

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UNC’s Cade Tyson makes list for top transfer portal players

Cade Tyson is UNC’s latest victory in the basketball transfer portal. How much of an impact will he have this upcoming season?

Hubert Davis has proven to be a strong recruiter since taking over the UNC men’s basketball program from legendary head coach Roy Williams.

He brought in sharp-shooting stretch Brady Manek during North Carolina’s run to the 2022 National Championship game, then convinced top transfer Pete Nance to join UNC the following season. Manek panned out much better when compared to Nance, but both were huge additions nonetheless.

With Harrison Ingram recently entering his name in the NBA Draft, Hubert was tasked with finding yet another talented replacement in the transfer portal.

He did exactly that with Belmont transfer Cade Tyson, who was named a Top 20 transfer by CBS Sports.

“Tyson is a career 44.6% 3-point shooter on 287 attempts over two seasons with Belmont,” CBS Sports’ David Cobb wrote. “At 6-7 and with a demonstrated outside stroke, he should slot in to a significant role with the Tar Heels. How Tyson will translate defensively to a higher level is likely the biggest question mark here. But his offensive game is sweet.”

Even if Ingram comes back, it’s difficult to imagine Tyson not starting.

Tyson brings a lot of what the Tar Heels crave: height (he’s 6’7″), a strong perimeter shooting percentage (over 49% both seasons) and the ability to play anywhere. He averaged 16.2 points per game last year, prompting one fan to call him a Cormac Ryan upgrade.

Wherever Tyson fits into UNC’s lineup plans, I sure am glad we have him.

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Cade Tyson officially signs to become a Tar Heel

Belmont transfer Cade Tyson is going to be a major piece for the North Carolina Tar Heels this coming basketball season.

It’s going to be weird not having Harrison Ingram or Cormac Ryan on the UNC basketball team this coming fall.

Ingram and Ryan, who transferred in from Stanford and Notre Dame last offseason, brought a much-needed scoring boost to the Tar Heels’ starting lineup.

Ingram was the perfect compliment to Bacot in the post, but he could also knock down mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers at a high clip. Ryan was primarily known for his perimeter shooting abilities, but he played a tough, hard-nosed style of basketball that even Dean Smith would be proud of.

North Carolina hit the transfer portal early this offseason – and hard. The primary goal is an experienced center, but that’s one position UNC has struck out on so far.

The Tar Heels did nab another much-needed scoring reinforcement, however – Belmont transfer Cade Tyson. He’s a North Carolina native who, last season, averaged 16.2 points per game and shot a career-high 46.5 percent from deep.

On Thursday, May 9, Tyson officially signed with UNC.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6wfD8MRdZH/

Outside of his scoring punch, the thing I like about Tyson most is his versatility.

He’s 6’7″, but listed as a guard. Given the Tar Heels will have an insanely deep guard rotation, I imagine Tyson will start at small forward or possibly ever power forward, but I’d bet Jae’Lyn Withers starts at the four.

Be excited about Tyson, but know he’s likely not the last transfer who signs with us.

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