The latest projections now place UNC basketball outside yet another top 25 ranking

Unless the Tar Heels make another major offseason addition or two, they may begin the 2025–26 season unranked in the AP Top 25 Poll—something that hasn’t happened in two decades. More insiders are increasingly viewing UNC’s current roster as one that may fall short of preseason expectations.

Even college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein has adjusted his outlook. Just two weeks after ranking the Tar Heels No. 22 in his “ROTHSTEIN 45,” he now lists them at No. 26. His projected starting five includes just one returning player from last season’s main rotation: senior guard Seth Trimble. Joining him are three transfers—guard Kyan Evans (Colorado State), forward Jarin Stevenson (Alabama), center Henri Veesaar (Arizona)—and five-star freshman forward Caleb Wilson.

Rothstein’s top bench contributors include freshmen Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, Virginia Tech transfer Jaydon Young, West Virginia transfer Jonathan Powell, and senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin, who started 20 games last season but has entered the transfer portal, though he hasn’t ruled out a return.

Notably, Rothstein includes only two ACC teams in his top 25: Duke at No. 8 and Louisville at No. 15.

UNC basketball staff is considering the Russian wing for the Tar Heel roster in 2025–2026.

The UNC basketball staff may be looking overseas to finalize next season’s roster

With 11 scholarship players already committed, head coach Hubert Davis and his team have a few spots left to fill and are now expressing interest in Ivan Kharchenkov, a Russian-born German wing, according to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI.

Kharchenkov, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward, is beginning to show promising upside as both a strong slasher and smooth perimeter shooter. The 18-year-old is under a multi-year contract with Bayern Munich and has recently earned more playing time against elite international competition. In a recent game on Sunday, he logged 17 points, five rebounds, and four steals in just 22 minutes, shooting an efficient 7-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-2 from deep.

Despite bringing in a highly rated transfer class—ranked No. 17 nationally by 247Sports—UNC is still being left out of most preseason top 25 rankings for the 2025–26 season. While five-star freshman Caleb Wilson brings some hype, analysts suggest the team may still be missing a true headliner. Kharchenkov could potentially help fill that gap.

UNC Basketball gets a commitment from transfer big man. Henri Veesaar

After an aggressive recruiting push, the UNC basketball program has secured the big man they were targeting

On Friday afternoon, Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar officially committed to North Carolina, giving the Tar Heels a much-needed frontcourt presence. The 7-foot Estonian native will bring two years of eligibility to Chapel Hill.

Veesaar entered the transfer portal on March 31, and UNC was quickly identified as a top contender for his services. The Tar Heels prioritized getting him on campus before the NCAA’s recruiting dead period, signaling their strong interest — which was clearly mutual.

During his two seasons at Arizona, Veesaar developed steadily. While he only started five games in his sophomore year, his production significantly improved — averaging 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a unique asset at the five spot; he shot 16-for-49 (32.7%) from three-point range last season and thrived in pick-and-roll situations.

UNC entered the offseason in dire need of size and athleticism, and Veesaar fits that mold perfectly. While there were several quality big men available in the portal, it always seemed like he was the Tar Heels’ top target.

The addition of Veesaar is a major boost to the program’s offseason plans, filling a critical gap in the frontcourt. While point guard remains an area of focus, bringing in Veesaar marks a key victory for Hubert Davis and his staff.

With this commitment secured, attention now turns to how the rest of the roster will come together ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Inside For the 2025–2026 season, Zayden High is anticipated to rejoin the UNC basketball program, Carolina confirmed.

After missing the entire 2024–2025 season, Zayden High is now expected to rejoin the North Carolina men’s basketball team, according to Inside Carolina.

High’s status with the Tar Heels had been a subject of speculation throughout the early offseason. He was not with the team last year and reportedly wasn’t enrolled at UNC during the fall semester. However, his re-enrollment for the spring sparked optimism among fans that he might return to the court.

That hope is now reality, as Inside Carolina has confirmed High is on track to rejoin the program for the 2025–2026 season.

As a freshman, High saw limited playing time but flashed potential in his brief appearances. In just over 100 minutes of game action, he impressed with his athleticism and energy—qualities that could allow him to contribute meaningfully in the future.

Though taking a year off from competition is far from ideal—especially for a team that could’ve used more frontcourt depth—his return signals that whatever challenges sidelined him are now in the past. While his exact role remains to be determined, it’s encouraging news for the Tar Heels to have High back in the mix heading into the new season.

Trio of UNC basketball players showcase their smarts by landing offseason ACC honors

UNC Trio Shines Off the Court: Davis, Lubin & Tyson Earn Prestigious ACC Academic Honors

While the 2025 season may not have ended the way Tar Heel fans hoped, a trio of North Carolina basketball players just scored a major win—this time in the classroom.

Veteran leader RJ Davis, bruising big man Ven-Allen Lubin, and transfer wing Cade Tyson were all named to the ACC All-Academic Team, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence both on the hardwood and in academics. Despite their differing roles and futures with the team, all three exemplified what it means to be true student-athletes at a program that values both brains and basketball.

Earning Respect Beyond the Stats

To land on the All-Academic Team, players must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while appearing in at least 50 percent of their team’s games. That bar may sound simple, but it’s no small feat in a program like UNC’s, where long travel schedules, high-stakes matchups, and the national spotlight demand elite time management and dedication.

RJ Davis, who wrapped up his UNC career as the undisputed leader of the Tar Heels, is now working toward a graduate certificate in leadership development—a fitting next step for someone who led by example on and off the court. Averaging a team-high 17.2 points per game, Davis was not only the engine of the offense but a mentor to younger teammates.

Ven-Allen Lubin, who fought his way into the starting lineup mid-season and brought a relentless presence in the paint, is currently listed in the transfer portal. But he’s voiced his desire to return to Chapel Hill. His major? Exercise and sport science—a natural fit for someone who lives in the trenches and understands the demands of elite athletics.

Then there’s Cade Tyson, a former Belmont standout whose UNC debut didn’t go as planned. Struggling to find consistency, he never quite cracked the rotation. But in the classroom, Tyson has kept pace. Also majoring in exercise and sport science, his academic commitment stands as a reminder of the discipline required even when the spotlight dims. With UNC lacking depth at small forward, Tyson could still have a pivotal role next season—if he stays.

More Than Athletes

This recognition isn’t just a feel-good footnote. It’s a glimpse into the culture being cultivated under head coach Hubert Davis. Despite the disappointment of a Round of 64 loss to Ole Miss, the Tar Heels have shown growth, resilience, and a commitment to developing well-rounded young men.

As college athletics continues to evolve—with NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and relentless competition—it’s increasingly refreshing to see programs like UNC still emphasizing what the term “student-athlete” truly means.

Whether these three return to the court in Carolina blue next season or take their talents elsewhere, they’ve already proven that their impact goes far beyond the box score.