Ven-Allen Lubin’s Future Still Uncertain After Entering Transfer Portal
UNC forward Ven-Allen Lubin’s next step remains unclear weeks after entering the transfer portal. Initially, the 6-foot-8 Florida native indicated he planned to return to Chapel Hill for his senior year. But with other programs—most notably NC State—showing increased interest, a UNC reunion now feels less likely.
Lubin has already had stops at Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and UNC. In his lone season with the Tar Heels, he started over half the games, averaging 8.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and just under a block in less than 20 minutes per game. He remains one of the top uncommitted players in the portal, ranked No. 144 overall and No. 9 among remaining prospects, per 247Sports.
Drake Powell at NBA Combine, Sits Out Scrimmages
UNC wing Drake Powell is representing the Tar Heels at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago but won’t take part in the five-on-five scrimmages. While those scrimmages offer a boost to draft stock, Powell joins seven other second-round hopefuls—including Duke’s Tyrese Proctor and Auburn’s Johni Broome—in opting out.
Powell, a 6-foot-6 freshman, played in all 37 games for UNC last season and averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 48.3% from the field and 37.9% from three. He’s widely projected as a second-round pick in June’s draft and remains the only Tar Heel in this year’s combine.
UNC’s 2025–26 Roster Lacking Star Power? Questions Linger
Is North Carolina set for another underwhelming season? Some analysts think so. After missing the NCAA Tournament last year and coming up short with key transfers, the 2025–26 Tar Heels don’t currently project as a national contender.
Top transfer addition Henri Veesaar brings size and potential, but he’s yet to prove himself as a dominant college player. Freshman Caleb Wilson—UNC’s lone five-star signee—is talented but may begin his career off the bench, similar to former McDonald’s All-American Ian Jackson, who transferred out after a modest freshman season.
Only two scholarship players return, and just one was a part-time starter. Rob Dauster of The Field of 68 summed it up bluntly: “I’m not sure North Carolina is even a tournament team right now.”
UNC Lands In-State Guard Jaydon Young
Big news out of Chapel Hill: 6-foot-4 guard Jaydon Young has committed to UNC. The Greensboro native is known for his toughness, defense, and versatility. A relentless competitor, Young brings energy and high basketball IQ—traits that should make him an immediate contributor.
Young had plenty of Power Five interest but chose UNC for its culture and history. His commitment strengthens UNC’s backcourt depth and shows the Tar Heels remain committed to keeping top North Carolina talent close to home.
Former Tar Heel Target Niko Bundalo Back on the Market
6-foot-10 forward Niko Bundalo, once a top UNC target, has decommitted from Washington. Bundalo, who listed UNC among his finalists last fall before making a surprise commitment to the Huskies, is now the second-highest uncommitted player in the 2025 class.
With UNC still holding open roster spots, the possibility of re-engaging with Bundalo—whose mother is a longtime Michael Jordan fan—can’t be ruled out.
UNC Still in the Mix for Elite 2026 Forward Anthony Thompson
Five-star forward Anthony Thompson has trimmed his list to 15 schools, and UNC is still in the hunt. The 6-foot-8 standout from Western Reserve Academy in Ohio is ranked No. 11 nationally and No. 3 among small forwards in the 2026 class.
Thompson boasts a silky smooth jumper and a 7-foot-3 wingspan. UNC offered him back in January and remains a serious player in his recruitment.
Lubin One of Multiple Tar Heels to Hit Portal
Ven-Allen Lubin’s entry into the portal made him the fifth Tar Heel to test the transfer waters this offseason. He joined Elliot Cadeau, Ian Jackson, Jalen Washington, and Cade Tyson in exploring other opportunities.
Despite a slow start, Lubin became a dependable force down low, shooting over 68% from the floor and 71% at the line. His future remains up in the air as teams continue to show strong interest.
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