Four-Star Prospect Desmond Claude Eyes UNC Basketball Transfer

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Four-star transfer prospect Desmond Claude is considering the University of North Carolina basketball program as his next destination, according to reports this week.

The 6-foot-6, 207-pound junior forward is currently exploring his options after entering the transfer portal last week. Claude has averaged over 15 points per game in each of his last two seasons and is also looking at Kansas, Virginia, and reigning national champion Florida. He is scheduled to visit Florida on Thursday, marking his only reported trip since his entry into the portal.

Last season at Southern California, Claude served as a full-time starter and recorded impressive statistics. Across 33 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 76.4 percent from the free-throw line. His performance mirrored a breakout sophomore year at Xavier in 2023-24, after starting as a reserve during his freshman campaign.

Claude was previously ranked No. 86 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite as a four-star recruit from Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. Currently, he holds the No. 34 overall rank and is listed as the ninth-best point guard in this year’s transfer portal.

University of North Carolina basketball head coach Hubert Davis has made significant moves this offseason, with a five-deep transfer class that ranks No. 16 in the country according to 247Sports.

Stay tuned for more updates on the UNC basketball transfer portal.