UNC lost a large chunk of its roster before this past season.
After North Carolina failed to meet expectations in the 2022-2023 season, seven players would transfer from the program. The separation allowed for many to play more, while UNC found success with its new roster. Here, we take a look at those who left in search of a new opportunity.
The Transfers
Caleb Love– A player who will always be remembered for what he did against Duke in the Final Four, Love had a great season. He won the PAC-12 Player of the Year and helped lead Arizona to a regular season conference title, as well as a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Like the Tar Heels, they would lose in the Sweet 16, a game before the programs could’ve played one another.
Averages: 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists.
Tyler Nickel– A transfer who went back closer to home and was able to earn more playing time, this was a beneficial move for him. The Hokies finished the year 19-15 after losing in the NIT. Nickel was able to show off his game and shot 39.9% from three. He is now back in the transfer portal.
Averages: 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists.
Puff Johnson– Another player who went back closer to home, Johnson landed at Penn State. The Nittany Lions ended the year with a 16-17 record. Johnson is planning to return for a fifth and final college season.
Averages: 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds.
D’Marco Dunn– Like Johnson, Dunn went to Penn State. He was serviceable for the team this season, but they never got going.
Averages: 6.8 points and 1.1 rebounds.
Dontrez Styles– At rebuilding Georgetown, Styles was a major player. Although the team did not have a great season, he was able to show off his game in a major way. The Hoyas are in good hands under Ed Cooley.
Averages: 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Justin McKoy– A two-time transfer, McKoy went from Virginia to UNC and then landed at Hawaii. Not a bad place to finish your college career. They went 20-14, and McKoy had a good season, being named All-Big West Second Team.
Averages: 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists.
Will Shaver– Another transfer who ended up closer to home, Shaver chose UAB. The team went to the NIT, finishing 19-14.
Averages: 1.1 points and 1 rebound.
Hopefully, their decisions have benefited each athlete.
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