When North Carolina and Alabama face off in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, one player on the court will have ties to both programs.
Former five-star recruit and current Alabama forward Jarin Stevenson has a connection to both programs. Stevenson attended Seaforth High School in Pittsboro and his mom played at North Carolina. He was a recruit that was high on North Carolina’s list for the 2024 class as Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels recruited him thoroughly.
However, Stevenson opted to go to the SEC, picking the Crimson Tide over the Tar Heels. He then decided to reclass to this year and join Alabama right away. And months later, he’s facing the program for a trip to the Elite 8.
Little storyline here for #UNC vs. Alabama in the Sweet 16…
Alabama freshman Jarin Stevenson picked the Crimson Tide over the Tar Heels (he reclassified).
A Pittsboro, N.C. native (16 miles from UNC), made countless recruiting visits to Carolina.
— Ross Martin (@RossMartinNC) March 25, 2024
Stevenson is averaging 5.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the field. He’s appeared in 34 games, averaging 16.6 minutes per game.
The forward will be a factor in Thursday’s game if he can stay out of foul trouble, something he didn’t do against Grand Canyon. He scored just two points in that game after fouling out in the win.
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