Betrayal or Bold Move? Why Former UNC Starter Ven-Allen Lubin Shocked Tar Heel Nation
The college basketball world thrives on twists, but few saw this one coming.
Ven-Allen Lubin, who emerged as a key piece in North Carolina’s late-season surge to the NCAA Tournament, has swapped the powder blue for Wolfpack red. In one of the more stunning offseason moves, Lubin entered the transfer portal and landed at archrival NC State, setting the stage for an emotionally charged season in the Triangle.
The Unexpected Departure
Lubin wasn’t just another role player. After splitting minutes early with Jalen Washington, he grew into his own during the second half of the season. By February, he was entrenched in the starting lineup, averaging 8.7 points and a team-best 5.5 rebounds per game. His physical presence in the paint gave UNC a much-needed inside anchor as they clawed their way into March.
In the ACC Tournament, Lubin was at his best, recording double-doubles in back-to-back games before notching a career-high 20 points against Duke in the semifinals. For a Tar Heel team that struggled at times with consistency inside, he became a difference-maker. Which is why his decision to leave shocked many in Chapel Hill.
Why Lubin Left
On NC State’s first official practice day this week, Lubin addressed the elephant in the room.
“It was really just a decision for myself and the people in my circle,” Lubin told the Fayetteville Observer. “We wanted to figure out what’s gonna be next for me – and what’s gonna be best for me. I have respect for UNC. Just grateful for them giving me an opportunity to play for them. I just believe that whatever happened through that moment was just for a reason – and it led me here. So, I have no regret in being here. I look forward to what’s gonna happen.”
No bad blood. No hard feelings. Just a personal choice. Still, for UNC fans, that choice cuts deep.
What UNC Lost… and Found
Lubin’s departure leaves a gap in grit and rebounding, but head coach Hubert Davis quickly retooled the frontcourt. Carolina now boasts twin 7-footers Henri Veesaar and Ivan Matlekovic, plus returning pieces James Brown and Zayden High. Add in versatile newcomers Caleb Wilson and Jarin Stevenson, and the Tar Heels may be deeper inside than they were last year.
What NC State Gained
For the Wolfpack, however, Lubin is a gift. Not only do they get a proven ACC big man with postseason experience, but they also gain the satisfaction of pulling him directly from Chapel Hill. Expect NC State fans to greet him with thunderous applause when the Tar Heels visit Raleigh this winter — and for UNC’s crowd to let him know exactly what they think when he returns to the Smith Center in red.
The Rivalry Just Got Hotter
The UNC-NC State rivalry has always burned bright, but this move pours gasoline on the fire. When Lubin steps onto the court wearing Wolfpack colors, the stakes will rise even higher. For one side, he’s a traitor. For the other, he’s a symbol of ambition and rebirth.
No matter how you view it, Ven-Allen Lubin’s transfer ensures that every rebound, every bucket, every defensive stop against UNC will mean more than ever.
Circle the date. Tar Heels vs. Wolfpack isn’t just another ACC clash anymore it’s personal.
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