James Okonkwo Commits to Utah for Final College Season

James Okonkwo, a former UNC big man who has bounced around multiple programs during his college career, is set to play his final season with the Utah Utes.

After transferring to North Carolina for the 2023–24 season, Okonkwo saw limited action, appearing in only 15 games and averaging just 2.9 minutes per contest. Seeking more playing time, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward transferred to Akron, where he became a key contributor for the Zips. In his lone season there, he averaged 6.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game, playing a pivotal role in the team’s MAC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

Over the weekend, Okonkwo announced his decision to transfer once again—this time to Utah, marking the fourth stop in his collegiate journey. He began his career at West Virginia, redshirting his freshman year and later earning rotation minutes as a sophomore. Now, with his move to the Utes, he returns to the Big 12, where he first started his NCAA career.

Meanwhile, UNC head coach Hubert Davis and his staff have been active in the transfer market, already securing three additions, including recent commit Kyan Evans from Colorado State.

Insider Buzz: Ian Jackson Trending Toward Hometown Return

Rumors are swirling that former UNC guard Ian Jackson may soon be heading back home.

After a standout freshman year at North Carolina where he flashed elite scoring ability and earned All-ACC Rookie Team honors, Jackson surprised many by entering the transfer portal instead of declaring for the NBA Draft or committing to another season with the Tar Heels.

Though his role under head coach Hubert Davis fluctuated at times, Jackson still averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and showed clear signs of pro potential.

Now, after visiting several programs, the New York native appears to be closing in on a decision — one that many suspected from the beginning. According to 247Sports’ Travis Branham, a Crystal Ball prediction now points to Jackson committing to St. John’s, where he took an official visit earlier this month.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard originally held an offer from the Red Storm as a high school prospect but chose Chapel Hill. With St. John’s actively rebuilding its backcourt following the exits of RJ Luis and Kadary Richmond, Jackson could quickly become a centerpiece of one of the most dangerous guard rotations in college basketball.

The linked UNC basketball transfer target has decided to commit elsewhere.

UNC Basketball Misses Out on Kanon Catchings, Who Commits to Georgia

What once seemed like a strong fit between UNC basketball and BYU transfer Kanon Catchings has now come to an unexpected end.

After entering the transfer portal, Catchings quickly drew attention from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, even making a visit to Chapel Hill. Many believed UNC had the inside track to land the former four-star forward.

However, on Sunday night, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Catchings has committed to Georgia instead, choosing the Bulldogs over other top contenders.

The 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward was ranked No. 41 in the 2024 class by 247Sports Composite when he came out of Overtime Elite. His connection to UNC seemed promising — his aunt, WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, was once represented by current Tar Heels GM Jim Tanner, which many thought could play a role in his decision.

In his freshman season at BYU, Catchings averaged 7.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Despite missing out on Catchings, UNC remains in good shape in the transfer market, having secured commitments from Alabama’s Jarin Stevenson, Colorado State’s Kyan Evans, Arizona’s Henri Veesaar, and West Virginia’s Jonathan Powell.