UNC Basketball Faces Uncertain Future After NCAA Tournament Exit

MILWAUKEE — After a disappointing early exit from the NCAA tournament, the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team is evaluating its roster for next season. Following a 71–64 loss to Ole Miss on March 22, the Tar Heels will enter the transfer portal next week to address key roster issues.

General Manager Jim Tanner and Coach Hubert Davis will prioritize adding a top-level center, a position that proved problematic for the program last offseason. The team is also dealing with potential departures of key players including fifth-year seniors RJ Davis, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Ty Claude.

The future of freshmen Ian Jackson and Drake Powell remains uncertain as both players weigh their options regarding the NBA draft. “I’m not sure,” Jackson said. “I haven’t thought about it yet. When the time comes for my next step, I’ll talk to my circle and figure it out.” Powell echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Declaring for the draft or coming back — that’s a big decision to make. I’ve been talking with my circle and coaches.”

According to sources, Jackson is projected as a second-round pick and ranked 37th overall, while Powell hasn’t yet made the draft board. Players must declare for the NBA draft by 11:59 p.m. April 27, and withdraw by 5 p.m. June 16 to retain college eligibility. The draft is set for June 26-27 in Brooklyn.

Ven-Allen Lubin, who has one season of eligibility remaining, previously entered the transfer portal twice but is focused on development. “I love to be here,” Lubin said. “I want to come back. I believe it’s in God’s hands, whether he wants me to come back or be somewhere else.” Lubin transferred from Notre Dame to Vanderbilt before arriving at UNC.

Another rising senior, Seth Trimble, expressed his desire to remain at UNC despite a brief transfer portal experience last offseason. “Absolutely,” Trimble said. “I want to come back to school. I’m a Tar Heel.”

Despite speculation about Cadeau’s future with the team, the sophomore guard remained tight-lipped on his plans. “The season just ended like 10 minutes ago,” Cadeau said when asked about his next steps. Other potential returners include rising seniors Jalen Washington and Cade Tyson, as well as rising sophomore James Brown.

Incoming talent includes five-star forward Caleb Wilson and two four-star combo guards, Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon. The transfer portal will close on April 22, prompting urgency for the Tar Heels as they plan for a rebound next season.