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.