Will These International Prospects Be the Missing Pieces for UNC Basketball?

Who’s next to join the Tar Heels? That’s still the burning question as UNC continues building its 2025–26 roster — and all eyes are now on a pair of intriguing international talents: Ivan Kharchenkov and Luka Bogavac.

According to Inside Carolina, Hubert Davis and his staff are actively recruiting both players. While there’s plenty of complexity involved with international prospects, these two names are firmly on UNC’s radar.

“These are the two we know UNC has been in consistent contact with,” reported Sherrell McMillan. “They’ve had conversations with others too, but these are the most solid right now.”

Wing depth remains the top priority for the Heels — not another guard, despite the chatter surrounding Boogie Fland’s commitment to Florida. In fact, Bogavac and Kharchenkov both bring the type of size and skill UNC is looking for. Bogavac, a versatile 22-year-old from Montenegro who plays for SC Derby, can also slide over to shooting guard. Meanwhile, Kharchenkov, just 18, is already turning heads with Bayern Munich in Germany thanks to his polished game and mature court presence.

For now, these two are the leading international candidates, but don’t be surprised if a surprise name enters the mix — maybe even someone like Jamir Watkins if he withdraws from the NBA Draft. Either way, a new addition could be coming soon as Davis looks to shore up his roster.

SHOCKWAVE: No. 1 Recruit Ian Jackson Turns Down Massive NIL Fortune to Recommit to UNC—“This Is Home”

In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sending shockwaves through college basketball, Ian Jackson, the top-ranked player in the 2025 class, has rejected a record-breaking NIL offer to stay true to his heart—and to Tar Heel blue.

The 6’8” five-star sensation had the nation’s elite programs lining up with eye-popping offers, but instead of chasing millions, Jackson doubled down on his commitment to North Carolina, choosing loyalty, legacy, and love for the game over fame and fortune.

“UNC just feels like home,” Jackson said. “It’s where I belong—not just as a player, but as a person.”

In an era dominated by big-money deals, Jackson’s decision is being called one of the boldest moves of the NIL age. It’s a statement—and a massive win for Hubert Davis and Tar Heel Nation.

With a stacked 2025 class forming around him, Jackson’s return sends a clear message: UNC isn’t just a destination—it’s a dynasty in the making.

He chose the family. He chose the culture. He chose Carolina.

Brace yourselves, Chapel Hill. The road to another banner may have just begun.

Another UNC basketball starter has entered the transfer portal ahead of the deadline. Several players from the team have now chosen to explore transfer options.

On Monday morning, less than two days before the transfer portal deadline, UNC forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his decision to enter the portal.

However, according to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI, Lubin is still considering a return to Chapel Hill for his senior year.

The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Florida native joined UNC from Vanderbilt last offseason after beginning his college career at Notre Dame. Though he got off to a slow start, Lubin eventually secured a spot in the starting lineup and became a reliable interior contributor. He ended the season averaging 8.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks over 19.6 minutes per game, while shooting 68.4% from the field and 71.1% from the free-throw line.

Lubin is now the fifth Tar Heel to enter the transfer portal this offseason, alongside Elliot Cadeau, Jalen Washington, Ian Jackson, and Cade Tyson.

A one-time Duke commit has listed UNC basketball among his final choices.

As his college commitment nears, five-star forward Shelton Henderson has included UNC basketball among his final contenders.

Although the 247Sports Crystal Ball currently favors Miami in his recruitment, Henderson—a standout senior at Bellaire High School in Texas—told Houston reporter Marcus Gutierrez that North Carolina remains one of five programs still under consideration.

Alongside UNC, Henderson’s finalists include Kentucky, Texas, Texas A&M, and Miami. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing had initially signed with Duke as part of the 2025 class but decommitted last week.

Miami’s edge in the race is partly due to new head coach Jai Lucas, who originally recruited Henderson to Duke and has longstanding ties to him as a fellow Bellaire alum.

Henderson said Saturday he expects to announce his decision soon—possibly the same day, but no later than Monday.

Ranked No. 21 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Henderson would be a major addition to any of his finalists. UNC, meanwhile, already holds the No. 3 recruiting class for 2025, led by five-star forward Caleb Wilson and four-star guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon.

Duke fans are working to persuade a top transfer to step in for Cooper Flagg.

After a standout sophomore campaign, averaging 17.9 points per game for the Cal Golden Bears, 6-foot-7 wing Andrej Stojakovic has entered the NCAA transfer portal for a second time. A former Stanford signee and the son of NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, he entered the portal with a “Do Not Contact” tag, suggesting he may already have a destination in mind.

Stojakovic, who led Cal in scoring across 29 games while also adding 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, has drawn interest from top programs, most notably Duke. While nothing is official, multiple reports link the Blue Devils as serious contenders, and fan speculation online has only amplified the buzz. Comments on social media range from Duke fans urging the program to “pay that man” to hopeful predictions that he’ll land at Duke or Kentucky. Meanwhile, UNC and Illinois fans have also entered the conversation, expressing concern or optimism about their chances.

Adding Stojakovic would be a significant move for Duke, particularly as they navigate major roster turnover. Cooper Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is expected to depart, and fellow freshman Kon Knueppel has already declared. Veterans Mason Gillis and Sion James have finished their eligibility, and the class took another hit when five-star Shelton Henderson decommitted.

Stojakovic could help steady Duke’s lineup with his proven scoring ability and experience, especially if Flagg ultimately moves on. However, Flagg recently shared that he’s considering returning to Duke for a second year. Despite his projected draft position, he cited the challenges of securing strong NIL deals as part of his hesitation. With an NIL valuation of $4.8 million through partnerships with brands like Gatorade, New Balance, and Fanatics, Flagg is among the highest earners in college sports.

The emergence of NIL rights has shifted the decision-making landscape for elite athletes like Flagg, giving them real financial leverage to stay in school. But staying in college also carries risks, including potential injury or a dip in draft stock. Flagg must weigh short-term NIL benefits against the long-term security of an NBA contract.

Even after Duke’s controversial Final Four loss to Houston, Flagg remains the most coveted prospect for the 2025 draft. His dominant season, despite the heartbreak, has only solidified his position as a generational talent with a decision to make that reflects the new era of college basketball.

Final Four Fallout: A Controversial End to a Remarkable Run

Duke’s heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four was a tough blow for Cooper Flagg and his teammates. The matchup was marred by disputed officiating, sparking frustration among fans and analysts who questioned the fairness of several key calls. Flagg delivered a strong performance, making an impact on both ends with his trademark defense and offensive contributions, but the Blue Devils came up just short in a tense, tightly contested battle, leaving supporters disappointed after an otherwise thrilling tournament run.

Still, the loss didn’t overshadow Flagg’s phenomenal season. Throughout March Madness, he showcased his all-around game—scoring, rebounding, creating plays, and locking down defensively. While the Final Four exit stirred controversy, most agree it won’t define Flagg’s season or his future trajectory.

An Award-Winning Season

Despite the tournament’s bitter end, accolades have continued pouring in for Flagg. Days after Duke’s exit, he was named the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year—one of college basketball’s highest honors. The award capped off a season filled with jaw-dropping performances and statistical dominance.

Flagg averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while regularly shutting down elite opponents on defense. His rare blend of scoring ability, playmaking, and elite defensive instincts made him one of the most complete players in the country. The recognition he’s earned only reinforces his status as one of the game’s brightest young stars.

NBA Draft Outlook: Cooper Flagg Projected as 2025’s No. 1 Pick

With the college basketball season in the rearview, attention now shifts to the 2025 NBA Draft, where Cooper Flagg is widely projected to be the first overall selection. Despite Duke’s earlier-than-expected tournament exit, Flagg has firmly cemented his status as the draft’s top prospect in the eyes of NBA scouts and executives.

At 6-foot-8, Flagg offers a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that sets him apart from the rest of the draft class. His versatility—able to guard multiple positions, score in a variety of ways, and make plays for others—makes him an ideal fit for today’s NBA. Teams looking for a two-way forward with high-level instincts and upside will likely have Flagg at the top of their draft boards.

In addition to his talent, Flagg has shown exceptional maturity and leadership beyond his years. Whether navigating the disappointment of a controversial Final Four loss or handling the pressure of being college basketball’s most talked-about player, he’s demonstrated the mental toughness that’s essential for long-term NBA success.

What’s Next for Flagg

As he prepares to leap to the professional ranks, expectations surrounding Flagg are sky-high. Though his time at Duke ended abruptly, he used that season to showcase an elite skill set, highlighted by defensive tenacity, scoring ability, and court vision, that appears tailor-made for the NBA.

The 2025 draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Flagg as the clear frontrunner to go No. 1 overall. Whichever franchise lands him will be getting a player ready to contribute from day one, and fans across the league are eager to witness the next chapter in his rising career.

In Summary: A Season to Remember, a Future Full of Promise

Although Duke’s season ended in disappointment with a controversial Final Four loss, Cooper Flagg’s legacy remains untarnished. His dominant performances, national accolades, and projection as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft are testaments to his extraordinary talent and impact. As he sets his sights on the professional stage, Flagg appears ready to embrace the next chapter, carrying the lessons and drive that made his freshman season unforgettable. The basketball world is watching—and his star is only beginning to rise.

More Than a Basketball Star: Cooper Flagg’s Journey Shaped by the Love of His Mother and Grandmother

Amid the intensity and spotlight of elite basketball, it’s easy to focus solely on stats, awards, and rankings. But behind Cooper Flagg’s rise to national prominence lies a deeper story—one built on the strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love of the two women who raised him: his mother and grandmother.

At just 17, Flagg has emerged as one of basketball’s most electrifying young talents, known for his athleticism, court vision, and competitive spirit. Yet, behind the headlines is a young man grounded by the values instilled at home.

“My mom has always been my biggest supporter,” Flagg shared. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”

The Driving Force Behind the Dream

His mother has been the backbone of his journey, filling every role from chauffeur to emotional anchor. She handled the grind of youth sports, cross-country tournaments, and growing media attention with grace and determination, consistently placing Cooper’s goals above her own.

Her sacrifices, often unseen, were essential to his rise. More than just managing the logistics of his budding career, she provided a sense of stability and purpose, ensuring he had the tools and mindset to thrive both on and off the court.

The Quiet Influence of His Grandmother

While his mother provided structure and support, Flagg’s grandmother offered wisdom and a quiet strength. A calming presence in his life, she shaped his character through example—teaching humility, hard work, and gratitude.

“She taught me to stay grounded,” Flagg said. “To never take anything for granted.”

Her impact came in subtle but powerful ways: comforting meals, quiet advice, and prayers whispered behind the scenes. She reminded him that no matter how high he climbs, staying true to his roots matters most.

Rooted in Family, Ready for the Future

In a world that often pushes young athletes toward fame and ego, Cooper Flagg stands out for his humility—a reflection of the love and values instilled by his family. His success is as much about personal discipline as it is about the unwavering support of the women who helped raise him.

As he prepares to enter the NBA, Flagg carries more than just expectations—he carries the legacy of those who believed in him before the world ever took notice. And in every step he takes, their love continues to guide him.

Behind every rising star is a foundation, and Cooper Flagg’s was built by two remarkable women who turned dreams into reality through devotion, sacrifice, and unconditional love.