Cade Tyson Exits UNC Basketball After Disappointing Season

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Cade Tyson has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal after just one season at the University of North Carolina. The news surfaced Friday afternoon, marking the second time the 6-foot-7 junior has sought a new opportunity after a challenging year with the Tar Heels.

Tyson joined UNC with high hopes, having previously excelled at Belmont University where he averaged 16.2 points per game and earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors. However, his performance dipped significantly upon arriving in Chapel Hill. He recorded just 2.6 points per game and a shooting percentage of 29.2% from beyond the arc, compared to his impressive 46.5% as a sophomore at Belmont.

Throughout the season, Tyson struggled to find his footing, averaging only 7.9 minutes on the court. He attempted approximately 2.3 field goals per game, a stark contrast to the 12 he averaged during his final year at Belmont. As a result, he fell out of head coach Hubert Davis‘ regular rotation, seeing more than 10 minutes of play in only two games following the new year.

Despite some flashes of brilliance, including a season-high 23 points against La Salle, Tyson’s overall contributions did not meet expectations. He finished the season with only 14 made three-pointers, a far cry from the 128 he recorded during his two-year stint at Belmont.

Tyson’s departure marks him as the fourth player from the Tar Heels to enter the transfer portal this offseason, following teammates who have already committed to new schools. This exit opens up another scholarship for UNC as they look to bolster their roster in the wake of a 23-14 season that ended with an early exit from the NCAA Tournament.

As Tyson considers his next move, he retains one year of eligibility and will aim to find a program that better suits his playing style and aspirations. The transfer portal presents opportunities for players to reposition themselves on the collegiate basketball landscape, and Tyson is poised to explore those options.

This season marked a stark contrast from Tyson’s earlier accolades, where he was recognized as the MVC’s Rookie of the Year and showcased his shooting prowess at Belmont. The potential he once had as one of the top three-point shooters in the nation now casts a shadow as he seeks to revive his collegiate career elsewhere.