The University of North Carolina men’s basketball program, a perennial powerhouse with a storied history, is undergoing a significant transformation under head coach Hubert Davis.1 After navigating the initial challenges of succeeding a legend like Roy Williams and adjusting to the dynamic landscape of modern college basketball, UNC is demonstrating a renewed prowess in elite talent recruitment, reshaping its roster to once again be a dominant force on the national stage. This re-established recruiting momentum signals a “relocated power” for the Tar Heels, combining traditional high school prospects with strategic gains from the burgeoning transfer portal.
The recent seasons under Hubert Davis have been a journey of evolution for UNC. While the initial run to the National Championship game in 2022 showcased the immediate impact of his leadership and the established core, the subsequent seasons highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in consistent outside shooting, robust interior defense, and adapting to the “one-and-done” and NIL eras that have reshaped recruiting. The 2024-25 season saw some struggles, especially with depth and physical matchups, leading to an early NCAA Tournament exit.2 This prompted a concerted effort from Davis and his staff, along with General Manager Jim Tanner, to aggressively pursue top talent through all available avenues.
UNC’s recruitment philosophy under Davis is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While the traditional emphasis on developing high school talent remains central to “The Carolina Way,” the program has adapted to embrace the transfer portal as a vital tool for immediate impact and roster balancing. This dual approach is critical for contending in today’s college basketball landscape, where experience and specific skill sets can be acquired rapidly.
The bedrock of any successful college basketball program is its ability to consistently bring in elite high school talent. UNC continues to excel in this area, targeting top-tier prospects who fit their system and culture.3 The 2025 recruiting class, while not as highly ranked as some of Duke’s, features significant talent, highlighted by:
- Caleb Wilson (F): A five-star prospect and arguably the marquee commitment for UNC’s 2025 class. Wilson is a versatile forward known for his athleticism, defensive capabilities, and ability to impact the game on both ends. His commitment was a major win for the Tar Heels, securing a player who is projected to be an immediate starter and cornerstone of their future frontcourt. He’s rated as a top-10 prospect by 247Sports and is expected to bring much-needed defensive prowess and rebounding to Chapel Hill.
- Isaiah Denis (G) and Derek Dixon (G): Both highly-rated four-star combo guards, Denis and Dixon add depth, athleticism, and scoring potential to the backcourt.4 They represent the type of versatile guards that thrive in UNC’s up-tempo system and can contribute as both scorers and playmakers.
Looking ahead to the 2026 class, UNC is already making significant inroads with elite prospects, showing their commitment to long-term sustainability. They are actively pursuing:
- Toni Bryant (PF): A five-star forward and a top-10 prospect nationally, Bryant is scheduled for an official visit in the fall. His impressive high school statistics (averaging 21.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.7 blocks) and shooting ability from the perimeter make him a highly coveted target.
- Jordan Smith Jr. (G), Caleb Holt (W), and Anthony Thompson (F): All top-10 prospects in the 2026 class, these players represent the kind of blue-chip talent that can define a recruiting cycle. UNC’s coaching staff has been actively watching them during live periods and extending offers, signaling their intent to build one of the nation’s best classes for 2026.
Where UNC has truly showcased its “relocated power” in recruitment is in its aggressive and successful use of the transfer portal. Recognizing the immediate needs of the program after several key departures (including Elliot Cadeau, Jalen Washington, and Ian Jackson), Hubert Davis and his staff have leveraged the portal to bring in experienced, impactful players who can contribute from day one. This influx of talent has addressed specific weaknesses, particularly in shooting, size, and veteran leadership. Key transfer commitments for the 2025-26 season include:
- Luka Bogavac (W): A 6-foot-5 Montenegrin wing, Bogavac brings professional experience from the Adriatic League (ABA League).5 He’s a flat-out scorer known for his perimeter shooting (40% from three) and ability to thrive as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and spot-up shooter. His immediate impact on UNC’s offensive firepower is expected to be substantial.
- Kyan Evans (G): A 6-foot-2 guard from Colorado State, Evans is projected to be the Tar Heels’ lead guard. He’s an elite shooter (nearly 45% from long distance) and a talented playmaker, capable of running the offense and making crucial plays. His performance in the NCAA Tournament for Colorado State highlighted his ability to perform on big stages.
- Henri Veesaar (C): A 7-foot center from Arizona, Veesaar immediately addresses UNC’s need for size and rim protection.6 He’s a well-rounded offensive player who can score around the basket and rebound effectively, providing a crucial interior presence that was sometimes lacking.
- Jarin Stevenson (F): A former Alabama forward, Stevenson (6-foot-11) is returning to his home state. He adds further versatility and athleticism to the frontcourt, capable of playing as a stretch four or even a small-ball five. His defensive versatility and perimeter shooting provide flexibility.
- Jonathan Powell (G/F): A 6-foot-6 wing from West Virginia, Powell is known for his shooting ability, having made 64 three-pointers as a freshman. He’s a versatile player who can contribute with his shooting, cutting, and switchability on defense.
- Jaydon Young (G): Coming from Virginia Tech, Young is a volume shooter who can provide instant offense and score in bunches when in rhythm.7 He adds another experienced guard option to the backcourt.
The combination of a top-tier high school class and a highly impactful group of transfers means UNC’s roster for 2025-26 will be significantly revamped. It is a strategic effort to balance youth with experience, raw talent with proven college production, and high-ceiling potential with immediate readiness. This integrated approach, championed by Coach Davis and GM Tanner, signals a proactive adaptation to the modern college basketball landscape.
The departure of key players like RJ Davis (who completed his career) and transfers like Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson created voids, but the aggressive and successful recruitment in the portal has filled those gaps with players who fit specific needs. The emphasis on shooting, versatility, and interior presence is evident in the new additions.
This deliberate and successful recruitment of elite talent, both from the high school ranks and the transfer portal, signifies a re-establishment of North Carolina’s power in college basketball. They are not merely relying on tradition but are actively building a roster designed to compete for championships in the current era. The ability to attract a five-star prospect like Caleb Wilson while simultaneously bringing in established college players from the portal demonstrates a comprehensive and effective recruiting machine at work, ensuring that UNC basketball remains at the pinnacle of the sport.
