UNC Basketball Joins Pursuit of 5-Star Arkansas Transfer Boogie Fland
North Carolina has its sights set on another big-name transfer—this time, Arkansas guard Boogie Fland. The former five-star recruit is drawing immediate attention after announcing on Tuesday that he’s withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will return to college for the 2025–26 season.
Fland, who was projected as a mid-second-round pick, has entered the transfer portal as one of the most sought-after players available. UNC wasted no time reaching out, per Inside Carolina. The 6-foot-2 Bronx native averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists last season under John Calipari and is currently ranked by 247Sports as the top combo guard and No. 8 overall transfer in the country.
Florida is considered a strong contender for Fland, but North Carolina’s entry into the mix could accelerate his recruitment. A visit to Chapel Hill may be on the horizon.
While head coach Hubert Davis continues to search for depth on the wing after once again missing out on Andrej Stojakovic—who committed to Illinois—UNC is also keeping tabs on 6-foot-6 German wing Ivan Kharchenkov of Bayern Munich as a possible late addition.
As the Tar Heels work to finalize their offseason roster, Boogie Fland could emerge as the dynamic backcourt piece they’ve been searching for. This one could move fast.
UNC Basketball Battles Rivals in Race to Land Sought-After Forward
UNC Remains a Serious Player in the Recruitment Battle for Elite 2026 Forward Toni Bryant
The University of North Carolina’s basketball program continues to be a significant player in the heated national race to land one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2026 recruiting class—Toni Bryant, a five-star forward from North Tampa Christian Academy in Florida. Nearly three months after extending a scholarship offer to the talented frontcourt player, the Tar Heels are maintaining a strong presence in his recruitment, refusing to fade into the background as competition intensifies.
Bryant, a dynamic and athletic 6-foot-9, 200-pound power forward, has captured the attention of nearly every major program in the country. His name continues to rise through the national rankings, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most discussed and analyzed high school players in his class. As of now, Bryant sits at No. 13 overall in the 2026 rankings and holds the No. 4 spot among power forwards, according to the 247Sports Composite. These lofty rankings have made him a top priority for blueblood programs as well as several fast-rising contenders on the national scene.
This past weekend, Bryant was a marquee attraction at the PUMA PRO16 League event in Wichita, Kansas, where a massive contingent of college coaches and recruiters came out to see the high-flying junior in action. He didn’t disappoint. Bryant showcased his elite athleticism, length, versatility, and above-the-rim play—traits that have helped build his reputation as one of the premier forwards in his class. His performance reaffirmed to scouts and coaches why he’s become such a hot commodity on the recruiting trail.
UNC had its eyes on Bryant throughout the weekend, with members of its staff joining a veritable who’s who of college basketball royalty to evaluate him up close. Among those in attendance were coaches from programs such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas—each of which has a long tradition of landing elite frontcourt talent. Their presence alongside UNC in Wichita underscores just how intense the competition has become for Bryant’s commitment.
The scene at the event also included appearances from head coaches representing other major programs such as Missouri, LSU, Miami, and Kansas State. Sam Kayser of League Ready noted that many assistant coaches from prominent national programs were also courtside, including staff from Gonzaga, Ohio State, Texas, Purdue, Arizona, Michigan, and several others. The sheer volume and quality of programs scouting Bryant this weekend reflect the magnitude of his recruitment. He’s not just a top talent in the 2026 class—he’s someone schools are willing to make a significant investment of time and energy to pursue.
Though UNC hasn’t yet secured an official visit from Bryant, the coaching staff continues to maintain a presence in his recruitment, and the Tar Heels remain very much in contention. Bryant has taken a few unofficial visits so far, including a recent trip to NC State, one of several programs making a strong regional push for the Florida native. His next official visit is scheduled for early September, when he’ll head to Missouri for an in-depth look at the Tigers’ campus and basketball environment. That visit is expected to coincide with a major football weekend in Columbia, offering Bryant a taste of the school’s broader athletic culture and campus atmosphere.
As things stand, North Carolina remains in what could be considered the “second wave” of schools yet to host Bryant but still firmly entrenched in the race. The Tar Heels may not have the advantage of being the first to host him on an official visit, but they do benefit from a rich tradition of producing high-level forwards who go on to succeed at both the college and professional levels. With their history of development and national exposure, UNC can offer a compelling case that few programs can match.
For Hubert Davis and his staff, the key going forward will be deepening their relationship with Bryant and his inner circle. That includes maintaining consistent communication, showing up at key events like the PRO16 League, and eventually bringing him to Chapel Hill for a full campus visit. Once Bryant steps foot on campus and experiences what UNC has to offer firsthand—from the Dean Smith Center’s legendary aura to the program’s commitment to player development—the Tar Heels could move into an even more favorable position.
What makes Bryant such an attractive recruit is not just his athletic profile, but also his versatility and two-way potential. At 6-foot-9, he has the ability to protect the rim, defend multiple positions, and stretch the floor on offense. He plays with energy and purpose, and his game fits well into the modern mold of hybrid forwards who can switch on defense, run the floor, and play in transition. He also shows flashes of playmaking ability—an asset that makes him even more valuable at the next level.
His skill set aligns well with the style UNC likes to play under Davis. The Tar Heels have traditionally emphasized transition offense, ball movement, and defensive intensity—all areas where Bryant could make an immediate impact. Add in the fact that UNC has produced a number of NBA-caliber bigs in recent years, and it’s easy to see why the staff is pushing hard to stay in the hunt.
However, with so many elite programs involved, nothing is guaranteed. Duke’s interest always carries weight, especially for prospects who want to play on the biggest stage with maximum national exposure. Kentucky and Kansas also boast strong reputations for developing forwards and getting them to the NBA. And programs like Missouri and Miami offer compelling paths where Bryant could be a centerpiece recruit in a system tailored around his game.
This is why North Carolina will need to go the extra mile to secure a commitment. That might include scheduling an official visit sooner rather than later, ensuring Bryant and his family feel prioritized, and showing a clear vision for how he fits into the program’s long-term plans. It will also mean navigating an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, where NIL opportunities, branding, and long-term development play a bigger role than ever in shaping a recruit’s final decision.
In the coming months, expect UNC to increase its efforts as Bryant’s recruitment begins to narrow. With his profile continuing to rise and more schools entering the conversation, the Tar Heels know they must stay aggressive if they want to remain a viable destination. Time will tell whether their persistence pays off, but for now, they are firmly in the mix for one of Florida’s most electrifying high school players.
As Bryant’s junior summer rolls on and he continues to perform in front of national audiences, the buzz surrounding his recruitment will only grow. Whether UNC can capitalize on their early involvement and translate that into an official visit—and eventually a commitment—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Tar Heels are not backing down in their pursuit of Toni Bryant, and they’re prepared to fight it out until the very end.
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