BREAKING: UNC Stuns Rivals, Lands Nation’s Top Big Man! Five-Star Freshman Picks Tar Heels Over Kentucky, Bama, and Michigan State
NEWS ALERT: UNC Just Stole the Nation’s Top Big Man from Kentucky, Bama & Michigan State – Five-Star Phenom Commits to Tar Heels!
In a recruiting shocker that’s sending shockwaves through the college basketball world, North Carolina has landed one of the biggest prizes of the 2025 class — a dominant five-star forward, [Player’s Name], who just spurned powerhouse programs Kentucky, Alabama, and Michigan State to suit up in Tar Heel blue.
At 6’9”, [Player’s Name] is an elite, true freshman prospect with freakish athleticism, elite shot-blocking skills, and a high basketball IQ. He’s ranked among the top players in the country, and now he’s heading to Chapel Hill to join Hubert Davis’ rising juggernaut.
The recruitment battle was intense. Nate Oats’ up-tempo system at Alabama, Tom Izzo’s legendary development pipeline at Michigan State, and John Calipari’s NBA factory at Kentucky were all in hot pursuit. However, in the end, the legacy, tradition, and vision at UNC sealed the deal.
This is a massive win for Davis and the Tar Heels, who are stacking talent and aiming for another national title run. [Player’s Name] adds star power and instant impact to a team already surging back into college basketball’s elite.
Fans are already buzzing — and for good reason. This kid can run the floor, finish above the rim, protect the paint, and stretch the defense. He’s built for UNC’s high-paced style, and he’s the kind of player who can lead a deep March Madness run.
The message is clear: Carolina is BACK — and the rest of college basketball better take notice.
The UNC basketball team wins an in-conference transfer.
UNC Basketball Adds Experienced Guard from Virginia Tech
The UNC basketball staff has secured a commitment from a guard who made a notable leap in his sophomore season at Virginia Tech.
As of Friday, Jaydon Young is officially a Tar Heel. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Goldsboro, N.C., native brings valuable ACC experience with him to Chapel Hill.
Coming out of Greensboro Day School in 2023 as a three-star recruit, Young saw limited action as a freshman, averaging just 1.8 points in 8.5 minutes over 26 games off the Hokies’ bench. However, he broke through during his second year, becoming a key contributor. Young played in all 32 games last season, earning 10 starts, and averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game — although he struggled with efficiency, shooting 34.7 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range. Virginia Tech finished the season with a 13-19 record.
In the current transfer portal rankings from 247Sports, the 20-year-old Young sits at No. 354 overall and No. 84 among shooting guards.
With Young’s commitment, UNC’s transfer class for 2025 — now five players deep — is ranked No. 16 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC, trailing only Louisville’s group.
New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft
New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft
Another Tar Heel is chasing his dreams.
Following a solid freshman season in Chapel Hill, Drake Powell officially announced on Wednesday that he will forego his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound forward from Pittsboro, N.C., leaves the UNC basketball program after averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, starting in more than half of the Tar Heels’ 37 contests during the 2025-26 campaign.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Powell thanked the North Carolina fanbase, his teammates, and the coaching staff for an unforgettable year wearing the Carolina Blue.
“Thank you for embracing and supporting me through the highs and lows of the past season,” Powell wrote. “I have learned so much both on and off the court. I was born and bred a Tar Heel, and to have the opportunity to put on that uniform, run through that tunnel, and compete for the university that I love is a feeling that is unmatched, and I’ll never take that for granted.”
Powell also reflected on the special bond he formed with his teammates, calling them “brothers” and vowing to cherish the memories they created during his time in Chapel Hill.
“To my teammates and brothers, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories we’ve made together during our journey. I’ll hold onto these moments forever.”
Ultimately, Powell made it clear that his decision to turn pro was driven by his lifelong dream to compete at the highest level:
“Competing at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal. This decision was nowhere near easy, but with the support and guidance of my family and coaches, I will be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft.”
A Bright Future Ahead
According to the latest mock draft from NBA Draft On SI, Powell is currently projected as a second-round pick, slotted to be selected No. 46 overall by the Orlando Magic. If that projection holds, he could join former Tar Heel standout Cole Anthony, creating a new UNC connection in the NBA.
Known for his defensive instincts, smooth mid-range game, and non-stop motor, Powell showcased flashes of star potential during his lone year with the Tar Heels. Scouts have praised his versatility and work ethic — two traits that could help him carve out a successful career at the next level.
UNC’s Growing NBA Pipeline
With Powell’s decision, UNC continues its strong tradition of developing NBA talent under head coach Hubert Davis. While Tar Heel fans will undoubtedly miss Powell’s presence both on and off the court, many will be rooting for him to thrive as he takes the next big step in his basketball journey.
As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, all eyes will be on Powell as he looks to make his childhood dream a reality — one that began on the hardwoods of North Carolina and will now continue on basketball’s biggest stage.
Best of luck, Drake. Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel
