Former UNC Forward Ven-Allen Lubin Reportedly Considering Transfer to ACC Rival NC State
In a development that has caught the attention—and sparked the emotions—of North Carolina basketball fans, former Tar Heel forward Ven-Allen Lubin is reportedly eyeing a transfer to NC State, one of UNC’s most historic and heated rivals. The potential move, first reported by 247Sports via their Crystal Ball prediction system, marks a dramatic shift for Lubin, who started the majority of games for UNC last season and had initially left open the possibility of returning to Chapel Hill.
The 21-year-old forward, who has already had stops at Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and most recently North Carolina, is now exploring what would be his fourth program in as many years. And this time, he may be staying within the ACC, flipping allegiances to the red side of the Triangle.
A Surprising Development in the Transfer Portal
Lubin’s name entered the NCAA transfer portal in late April 2025, shortly after the Tar Heels wrapped up their season. While his entry didn’t come as a complete surprise given the increasing frequency of transfers in today’s college basketball landscape, what did raise eyebrows was that Lubin hadn’t ruled out a return to UNC at the time. This created a sense of ambiguity around his future and led many Tar Heel supporters to hold out hope that he might decide to run it back for another season in Chapel Hill.
However, things have clearly shifted in recent days. On Friday, 247Sports updated its recruitment predictions and placed a Crystal Ball projection for Lubin in favor of NC State, suggesting growing momentum behind the Wolfpack’s pursuit of the talented forward. The prediction indicated that NC State may now be in the driver’s seat to land Lubin for his final year of college eligibility—a scenario that has stirred strong reactions from both sides of the rivalry.
Lubin’s Impact at UNC
During his one season under head coach Hubert Davis, Lubin became an integral piece of the Tar Heels’ rotation. Despite not being a primary scoring option, he brought energy, toughness, and a physical presence in the paint that the team relied on throughout the season. In 20 starts, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and nearly one block per game (0.9), all while playing under 20 minutes per contest. His efficiency and productivity in limited minutes made him a valuable contributor, particularly on the defensive end and on the glass.
Lubin’s mix of athleticism, rebounding instincts, and shot-blocking ability provided UNC with much-needed frontcourt depth, and his role often involved guarding the opposing team’s best interior threat. While he didn’t put up flashy numbers, his intangibles and motor made him a fan favorite among those who appreciated hustle plays and physical defense.
The Backstory: A Unique College Journey
Lubin’s college basketball path has been anything but conventional. He began his career at Notre Dame, where he played as a freshman under head coach Mike Brey. After one year, he transferred to Vanderbilt, suiting up for the Commodores during the 2023–24 season. Following another single-season stint, Lubin transferred again—this time to North Carolina for the 2024–25 campaign.
Now, with only one year of eligibility remaining, Lubin is set to make one final move, and the possibility of that being to NC State—a direct in-state and conference rival of the Tar Heels—has fueled widespread conversation, particularly on social media platforms.
Fan Reaction and Theo Pinson’s Commentary
The idea of a former Tar Heel suiting up in a Wolfpack jersey has unsurprisingly ruffled feathers in the UNC fanbase. Social media quickly lit up following the 247Sports prediction, with many fans expressing confusion, frustration, and even betrayal at the potential move.
One notable voice in the conversation was former UNC star and 2017 national champion Theo Pinson. Known for his passionate allegiance to the Tar Heels and his humorous online presence, Pinson couldn’t resist jumping into the fray. In response to a fan who labeled Lubin’s potential transfer to NC State as a “betrayal,” Pinson reacted on social media, adding to the lighthearted but pointed debate.
While Pinson didn’t go so far as to condemn Lubin’s decision outright, his reaction encapsulated the larger sentiment among many Tar Heel loyalists who view the rivalry with NC State as sacred territory—one that few, if any, former players have ever crossed willingly.
NC State’s Offseason Momentum
The possibility of Lubin landing in Raleigh comes at a time when NC State is experiencing a surge of momentum under newly appointed head coach Will Wade. After a strong finish to the previous season and several significant moves in the transfer portal, Wade has positioned the Wolfpack to potentially enter the 2025–26 campaign as a top-25 caliber team.
NC State’s recruitment of Lubin signals their commitment to adding veteran experience and defensive versatility to a roster already trending upward. The Wolfpack’s frontcourt could benefit significantly from Lubin’s rebounding, rim protection, and ability to guard multiple positions. His addition would be yet another piece to a puzzle that Wade is rapidly assembling with the hopes of pushing NC State into national relevance.
From a basketball perspective, the fit makes sense. Lubin would have the opportunity to play meaningful minutes on a team with tournament aspirations, all while remaining in a familiar conference and geographic region. But from a narrative standpoint, it’s a seismic move that reshapes how fans will view his legacy in the ACC.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason continues and transfer dominoes fall into place, all eyes will be on where Ven-Allen Lubin ultimately decides to finish his college career. While nothing is official yet, the latest buzz points toward a stunning crossover from UNC blue to NC State red—an outcome that would add a new layer of drama to the already fierce rivalry between the two programs.
Lubin’s decision will not only have implications for the Wolfpack’s frontcourt but also for the ACC landscape at large. Should he choose NC State, fans can circle the dates of the next UNC–NC State matchups as must-watch games, with storylines primed for intensity, emotion, and perhaps a little controversy.
For now, the former Tar Heel remains in limbo, but his next move could be one of the most talked-about transfers of the offseason.
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