Now that the 2023-2024 season is over, multiple Tar Heels are on the clock. There are big decisions to make about their futures and whether they should stay, transfer, or go pro. Here, we have a look at what comes next.
Can’t Come Back
There are six UNC players who are won’t be back. They are:
- Armando Bacot
- Cormac Ryan
- Paxson Wojcik
- Duwe Farris
- Rob Landry
- Creighton Lebo
Players with Options
UNC’s season is over and the portal is open. Only one player is listed on NBA mock drafts.
–Harrison Ingram had a fantastic year with UNC. He was a do-it-all guy who had a huge impact on the team’s success. Ingram has already transferred once, from Stanford to North Carolina, and is the only player listed on a mock draft. In Bleacher Report’s latest mock, he is projected as a second-round pick. Will that be enough to lure him away from Chapel Hill?
–RJ Davis is not listed on NBA draft boards. The ACC Player of the Year was fantastic and could come back for a fifth and final season. If he does choose to try his luck by going pro, he may find himself on a two-way contract. It is hard to see someone whose jersey will hang in the rafters transfer from the program.
–Jae’Lyn Withers also already transferred, from Louisville to North Carolina. He was a high energy guy who made impact plays at times this season. Although a transfer is possible, he is back in his home state and would be a second-time transfer.
-James Okonkwo came to UNC from West Virginia last offseason. He did not see very much action this year and was mostly put in when games were already decided. He could see more time with Bacot gone, but if UNC goes after another big in the portal, that could hurt his chances.
–Jalen Washington is primed to be a big player next season. He has shown an advanced game on offense, being able to play down low and knock down shots all over. Unless UNC grabs a big out of the portal, Washington should be the starter in Chapel Hill next year.
–Seth Trimble’s athleticism and defense are extremely valuable. He has shown improvement on offense as well, knocking down a number of threes throughout the year. The Tar Heels are bringing in two 5-star freshman wings that will be fighting for minutes. Does he stick around and try to earn a starting spot, or choose to transfer?
–Zayden High was a 4-star prospect. Although he didn’t play much this season, he showed the ability to stretch the floor in high school. Potentially battling with Ingram and Withers for minutes, plus being from Arizona, will he stick around or transfer out?
–Elliot Cadeau has all of the tools. A more consistent shot, and he may be unstoppable. His court vision and ability to get by defenders make his ceiling non-existent. Cadeau should be the starting point guard for his sophomore season in Chapel Hill, unless another program is able to lure him into the portal, or he tries his luck in the draft.
North Carolina could have a completely new identity next season.
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