UNC Basketball Hires First-Ever General Manager Jim Tanner

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina men’s basketball program has officially hired Jim Tanner as its first-ever general manager, a major step in adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball. The announcement came shortly after midnight from Inside Carolina, marking a significant milestone for the Tar Heels.

Tanner, a UNC alum and the president of Tandem Sports & Entertainment, has an extensive background in representing high-profile NBA and WNBA talent, including current stars like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, as well as Hall of Famers such as Ray Allen and Tim Duncan. His experience with the complexities of player management will be crucial as the Tar Heels navigate the challenges of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.

Coach Hubert Davis had previously indicated a desire to expand the program’s staff, recognizing the need for a general manager to steer the team into this new era of college basketball. Tanner’s appointment was described as a necessary move for the Tar Heels to keep pace with current trends in the sport.

The hiring comes as more college basketball programs adopt strategies reminiscent of NBA teams, particularly with their focus on player transfers and recruitment. Tanner’s familiarity with the “Carolina Way” and his strong connections to the university are seen as assets that will help him integrate smoothly into his new role.

In a recent statement, Tanner expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, ‘It’s a tremendous honor to return to North Carolina in this capacity. I look forward to helping our players, coaching staff, and the university navigate the current landscape of college athletics.’ Tanner’s deep ties to Carolina also include representing former players like Tyler Hansbrough and Raymond Felton.

As Tanner prepares to take on his new responsibilities, he will focus on enhancing the team’s depth ahead of the transfer portal opening in three weeks. This includes evaluating potential recruits and strategizing current player management to ensure the program remains competitive.

Jim Tanner’s appointment reflects UNC’s broader strategy to revamp its athletics program. The football team recently hired Michael Lombardi as general manager, demonstrating the university’s commitment to modernizing its athletic administration. The specifics of Tanner’s role and responsibilities are set to be clarified in the coming days as the program moves forward.

The university community welcomes Tanner, viewing his addition as a key factor in maintaining the standard of excellence expected from Tar Heels basketball. The combination of Tanner’s industry experience and his recruitment strategies are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the program as it enters this new chapter.