UNC Basketball Gives First Glimpse of Transfer Additions in Early Practice Video
The North Carolina Tar Heels have officially kicked off their summer workouts for the 2025–26 season, and fans are already getting a taste of what the new-look roster might bring. UNC released its first practice footage showcasing several high-profile transfer portal additions, giving the basketball world an early look at how the new pieces are blending in. Among those featured were forward Jarin Stevenson, big man Henri Veesaar, combo guard Kyan Evans, and wing shooter Jonathan Powell — all of whom are expected to play key roles for the Tar Heels this season.
These transfers are part of an extensive offseason rebuild that includes a total of nine new players, blending veteran college talent with promising young recruits. North Carolina’s freshman class, ranked No. 8 nationally, arrives alongside international prospect Luka Bogavac and one of the ACC’s top transfer portal hauls. In fact, UNC’s transfer class is rated No. 22 nationally and third-best in the conference — a clear sign that head coach Hubert Davis and his staff are making aggressive moves to ensure a deeper, more versatile roster heading into the new campaign.
Jarin Stevenson: Versatile Forward Returns to North Carolina Roots
One of the most intriguing additions is Jarin Stevenson, a 6-foot-11 forward who transferred from Alabama after a promising freshman season. Originally from North Carolina and the son of former Tar Heel Jerald Honeycutt, Stevenson played in 32 games for the Crimson Tide last season, starting 22 of them. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the floor and 30.7% from three-point range.
Though his stats were modest, scouts remain high on Stevenson’s long-term potential, thanks to his size, athleticism, and ability to play multiple positions. Recruiting analyst Sean Moran described him as a hybrid forward who could contribute at the 4 or even slide to the 3 in certain lineups. “Carolina may use him as a combo forward,” Moran said. “His athleticism could make him a defensive game-changer.” With his 6-foot-11 frame, Stevenson gives UNC rare size at the forward spot and fits well alongside other lengthy frontcourt players like Caleb Wilson (6’10”) and Henri Veesaar (7’0”).
This trio could offer Hubert Davis the kind of length and switchability rarely seen in college basketball. Stevenson in particular may thrive in a system that allows him to stretch the floor offensively while guarding multiple positions defensively. His North Carolina roots and family connection to the program only add to the intrigue.
Kyan Evans: Steady Floor General with Shooting Touch
Another promising addition is 6-foot-2 guard Kyan Evans, who comes to Chapel Hill after a standout season at Colorado State. Evans made a name for himself as a skilled combo guard capable of running the offense and hitting shots from deep. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 assists, and shot a blistering 44.6% from beyond the arc — including a torrid stretch in the final eight games where he made 60% of his threes.
Sherrell McMillan, a longtime UNC insider, praised Evans for his poise and offensive upside. “Evans wants to run the show,” McMillan said. “He’s capable as a lead ball-handler and offers elite shooting. While turnovers are part of the package, his offensive upside makes it a risk worth taking.”
What Evans brings to the table is a steady presence in the backcourt, someone who can spell the lead guard or play off the ball depending on the lineup. His shooting should help stretch defenses, especially in lineups featuring multiple playmakers. And while he’s not a finished product defensively, his effort and basketball IQ make him a valuable two-way option.
Evans could be especially important in tight ACC matchups where floor spacing and halfcourt execution are paramount. His ability to score efficiently and create for others gives the Tar Heels a dimension they sometimes lacked last season when their guard play was inconsistent.
Jonathan Powell: Shooter with Size and High Basketball IQ
Jonathan Powell was the first player to commit to UNC through the transfer portal this offseason, and his commitment set the tone for what followed. At 6-foot-6, Powell gives the Tar Heels another long, skilled perimeter player with a knack for scoring. He played his freshman year at West Virginia, where he averaged 8.3 points per game and hit 62 three-pointers — the second-most among all Big 12 freshmen.
Powell has drawn comparisons to the kind of traditional wing players who thrived under former coach Roy Williams. “He’s a classic Roy Williams-style wing,” McMillan said. “He can shoot, cut, finish — a true system fit. His physicality needs work, but his buy-in to Davis and GM Jim Tanner’s vision is a great sign.”
In today’s game, where wing shooters are in high demand, Powell fits a key need for UNC. He moves well without the ball, understands spacing, and doesn’t need a high usage rate to be effective. His size also allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a likely contributor in both starting and second-unit lineups.
The coaching staff believes Powell’s best basketball is still ahead of him. With a year of college experience and a clear role in the Tar Heels’ system, he could emerge as a reliable scorer and connector on both ends of the floor.
Henri Veesaar: Skilled Big Man Anchors the Paint
Perhaps the most highly touted portal addition is 7-footer Henri Veesaar, a talented big man from Arizona. Originally from Estonia, Veesaar made a significant leap last season, averaging 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in just under 21 minutes of action. His efficiency and impact earned him All-Big 12 honorable mention honors.
“His per-minute productivity is off the charts,” analyst Sean Moran noted. “Offensively, he’s highly efficient and provides interior finishing. While his defensive rebounding can improve, his length, intelligence, and versatility give UNC a much-needed anchor inside.”
Veesaar’s arrival is especially critical given Carolina’s recent need for reliable frontcourt production. With Armando Bacot gone, the Tar Heels needed a player who could defend the paint, finish inside, and keep the offense flowing with quick decisions. Veesaar checks all those boxes and offers even more with his mobility and passing touch.
His pairing with Stevenson and Wilson could create one of the most physically imposing frontlines in the country. Moreover, his international experience and advanced feel for the game may allow him to take on a leadership role early — especially in defensive communication and setting the tone on the glass.
A New Identity for the Tar Heels
The early practice footage, though limited, shows a team that looks deeper, longer, and more balanced than last season’s group. Between the transfer additions and the incoming freshman class, UNC is constructing a roster that blends high-ceiling talent with college-ready experience.
There’s a clear sense that Hubert Davis is shifting the program’s identity to meet the demands of the modern game — where length, versatility, and perimeter shooting are paramount. The frontcourt is significantly taller and more athletic. The backcourt features better spacing and ball movement. And the wings provide connective tissue on both ends of the floor.
While there’s still plenty of development ahead — particularly in building chemistry and defensive cohesion — the building blocks are in place. With a top-10 freshman class and one of the ACC’s most impactful transfer groups, North Carolina is positioning itself for both immediate success and long-term growth.
Tar Heel Fans Have Reason to Be Excited
This is not just a reload — it’s a strategic rebuild designed to give UNC both the firepower and flexibility to compete at the highest level. Whether it’s Stevenson’s size and agility, Evans’ shot creation, Powell’s wing scoring, or Veesaar’s interior presence, each addition addresses a specific need.
And if the early signs are any indication, the Tar Heels might have struck the right balance. The 2025–26 season could mark a new chapter in Carolina basketball — one defined by innovation, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to competing for championships.
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