UNC Hires NBA Agent Jim Tanner as Men’s Basketball GM

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina announced Tuesday that it has hired longtime NBA agent Jim Tanner as the general manager for its men’s basketball program, marking a significant shift in its approach to modern college basketball.

Tanner, the founder and president of Tandem Sports & Entertainment, will work closely with head coach Hubert Davis to overhaul the Tar Heels’ recruiting strategies and enhance efforts related to name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. His hiring comes less than a month after Davis emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball.

“The old model for Carolina basketball just doesn’t work,” Davis said during a radio show earlier this month, highlighting the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and international recruitment challenges.

Tanner, a 1990 graduate of UNC, has over 28 years of experience in player representation and sports management. He has represented more than 70 NBA players, including 17 former Tar Heels, and has worked with high-profile athletes such as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane and San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan.

“Both of my kids and I went to Carolina, and we owe so much as a family to this university,” Tanner said in a statement. “This is such an exciting opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically in a short period of time with NIL, collectives, and the transfer portal. It’s a highly competitive and constantly evolving environment.”

As the first general manager for men’s basketball at UNC, Tanner will be responsible for roster construction, contract negotiations, and expanding the scouting, analytics, and player development operations within the program.

Davis expressed confidence in Tanner’s ability to help navigate the complexities of the modern college sports environment. “Jim’s experience and knowledge is needed in helping us navigate contracts, the transfer portal, and the advancement of this program. His résumé speaks for itself,” Davis said.

This strategic move aligns with the recent hiring of former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as the general manager for the football program, illustrating UNC’s commitment to elevating its athletic departments to championship contention levels.

The Tar Heels currently hold a record of 18-11 and are competing for an NCAA Tournament berth. The team finds itself on the tournament bubble, putting pressure on Davis to deliver results as the regular season winds down.

While Tanner aims to address the recruiting challenges that have troubled the program, the recent performance of the Tar Heels highlights the urgent need for revitalization. This includes improving their 1-10 record in Quadrant 1 games against top competition.

As the Tar Heels prepare for their final games, the addition of Tanner could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UNC basketball, especially as they gear up for potential roster changes and the looming NBA Draft.