What could UNC’s starting five look like when the 2025–26 basketball season tips off in a few months?

Head coach Hubert Davis and agent Jim Tanner capped off May with a major win for the UNC basketball program, landing a commitment from international standout Luka Bogavac. With Drake Powell heading to the NBA, the Tar Heels were in urgent need of help on the wing—and Bogavac addresses that gap in a big way. His addition could mark the end of UNC’s offseason roster moves.

Even though the season opener is still a few months away, it’s never too early to speculate on what the starting lineup might look like. With only two players returning from last year’s team and nine newcomers added to the mix, the 2025–26 roster will have a fresh look, full of versatility and promise. Here’s an early projection of who might take the floor as starters for UNC:

Kyan Evans
The Colorado State transfer is expected to lead UNC’s backcourt. A highly efficient scorer, Evans shot 44.6% from beyond the arc last season—an area of major concern for the Tar Heels previously. In addition to his shooting, Evans is a capable facilitator and could play off the ball at times, depending on how the backcourt rotation is managed.

Seth Trimble
Trimble stands to benefit more than anyone from the retooled roster. With improved floor spacing thanks to better shooting around him, Trimble should find more room to attack the basket—his biggest offensive strength. He’ll also return to his natural position, no longer being forced to guard forwards. Perhaps most significantly, the new roster may finally give Trimble a real opportunity to showcase his playmaking ability in his final collegiate season.

Luka Bogavac
UNC didn’t bring Bogavac in to sit on the bench. The 6-foot-5 wing fills a critical need in the starting lineup. Though slightly undersized for a wing, Bogavac is a proven scorer who averaged 14.9 points in the Adriatic League while shooting 45% from the field, 40% from deep, and 87% from the line. He’s expected to be a key contributor right away.

Caleb Wilson
One of the top five recruits in the 2025 class, Wilson is too talented to be eased in slowly. Though Coach Davis has sometimes brought freshmen off the bench in the past, that strategy wouldn’t sit well with fans if applied to Wilson. Surrounded by veteran talent, he’ll have a prime opportunity to grow into a featured role from day one.

Henri Veesaar
UNC finally addressed its size concerns this offseason, headlined by Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar. At 7 feet tall and 225 pounds, Veesaar gives the Tar Heels a much-needed interior presence. He’s a strong rim protector, rebounder, and scorer, with the added bonus of being able to stretch the floor. He fills one of UNC’s most pressing needs and will likely anchor the team’s front court.

UNC Basketball Staff in Hot Pursuit of Fast-Rising Star Prospect’s Campus Visit

UNC Basketball in Tight Race to Land Visit from Surging Star Kohl Rosario

The North Carolina Tar Heels could soon be welcoming one of the nation’s fastest-rising prospects to Chapel Hill.

On Thursday night, Moravian Prep (N.C.) junior guard Kohl Rosario announced a major new offer — this time from UNC and head coach Hubert Davis — adding yet another blueblood to his growing list of suitors.

The Tar Heels are now firmly in the mix for the 6-foot-5, 185-pound four-star standout. According to 247Sports insider Dushawn London, UNC is currently battling Florida State for the final official visit slot on Rosario’s busy summer schedule.

Rosario is already set to visit Oregon (June 4–5), followed by stops at Kansas, Texas A&M, Duke, and Baylor — all within less than two weeks starting June 17. His final visit, which could be to North Carolina or Florida State, is expected to take place during the first week of July.

Though ranked No. 96 overall in the 247Sports 2026 Composite, Rosario has been a breakout star on the EYBL circuit this spring and could skyrocket into the top 50 with his current momentum. Nearly half of his two dozen scholarship offers have arrived in just the past month.

With his recruitment heating up, the Tar Heels are in a tight battle to secure precious time with a prospect who could become a major name in the 2026 class.

Top UNC target Taylen Kinney makes his first ACC official visit; may Chapel Hill be his next home?

The UNC basketball program is set to host one of the nation’s top power forwards from the 2026 class later this summer.

Toni Bryant, a five-star talent from Florida, received an offer from UNC head coach Hubert Davis back in mid-February. Now, the 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward—who recently transferred from North Tampa Christian Academy to Zephyrhills Christian Academy for his senior year—has locked in an official visit to Chapel Hill, according to On3’s Joe Tipton.

Bryant is scheduled to visit UNC on September 1. So far, he’s committed to just one other official visit: Missouri, beginning September 6.

UNC has remained a steady presence in Bryant’s recruitment since adding him to their 2026 target list. Just last week, Tar Heel coaches were in attendance in Wichita, Kansas, scouting him during PUMA PRO16 League action—alongside recruiters from Duke and NC State.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Bryant is ranked No. 13 overall, No. 4 among power forwards, and No. 2 in Florida. He’s one of around a dozen uncommitted prospects UNC is pursuing in this recruiting cycl

UNC basketball just manages to place in the top 25 of the new, far too early rankings.

UNC Basketball Still Has Time to Strengthen Roster Ahead of 2025-26 Season

Is Hubert Davis saving a late-season move to bolster his UNC basketball roster? That’s the hope for many Tar Heel fans who believe the 2025–26 squad is still missing a crucial piece — particularly on the wing.

While there’s still time to make additions, analysts are voicing some concern about the current state of the team. In On3’s newly released way-too-early Top 25 rankings for next season, North Carolina narrowly made the cut, coming in at No. 24. James Fletcher of On3 cited major offseason departures as a reason for the dip in confidence, including the losses of Elliot Cadeau, Drake Powell, and star guard RJ Davis.

UNC finds itself sandwiched between Michigan State (No. 23) and UCLA (No. 25) in the rankings — a far cry from the top-tier expectations Carolina fans are used to. And while big man Ven-Allen Lubin initially planned to return to Chapel Hill after entering the transfer portal, there’s now significant speculation he could flip to rival NC State.

To fill the gaps, Davis and his staff have reportedly shifted attention overseas, evaluating multiple European prospects. Meanwhile, all eyes are also on Jamir Watkins, the former Florida State standout who is testing the NBA Draft waters. Should he opt to return to college, UNC would likely pursue him aggressively to shore up its wing depth.

There’s no denying that question marks still surround this Tar Heel squad. However, the offseason isn’t over, and Davis could still land a late addition that significantly changes the team’s trajectory. As the roster continues to take shape, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether UNC can rise above preseason doubts.

UNC Basketball Moves Fast: Tar Heels Waste No Time Chasing 5-Star Transfer Prize

UNC Basketball Enters the Race for 5-Star Arkansas Transfer Boogie Fland

Another day, another high-profile name linked to North Carolina. This time, it’s Arkansas standout Boogie Fland who’s drawing attention—and yes, the Tar Heels are already in the mix.

After initially testing the NBA Draft waters, Fland announced Tuesday that he’s withdrawing and returning to college for the 2025–26 season. Given that he was projected as a mid-second-round pick, the move makes sense—and has now ignited a frenzy of interest from top programs.

According to Inside Carolina, UNC has wasted no time in reaching out to the dynamic 6-foot-2 guard from the Bronx, who averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists for John Calipari’s Razorbacks last season. Fland enters the portal ranked as the No. 1 combo guard and the No. 8 overall transfer, per 247Sports.

Florida is reportedly a serious contender in his recruitment, but with UNC now involved, things could heat up fast. Could a Chapel Hill visit be next?

Meanwhile, Hubert Davis continues to seek wing reinforcements after missing out on Andrej Stojakovic—again—as he opted for Illinois. European prospect Ivan Kharchenkov, a 6’6″ Bayern Munich wing, remains on UNC’s radar and could be another late addition.

As the Tar Heels ramp up their offseason efforts, Boogie Fland could be the explosive backcourt piece Davis has been looking for. Stay tuned—this recruitment could move quickly.

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

The North Carolina Tar Heels just added another major piece to their basketball future—say hello to Jaydon Young, the newest Tar Heel ready to make waves in Chapel Hill!

A 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, Young brings a dynamic mix of toughness, scoring ability, and defensive grit that perfectly fits the Carolina blueprint. Known for his relentless energy on both ends of the floor, he’s been a standout throughout his high school career, showcasing a high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and a game that continues to evolve.

Young had offers from several high-major programs, but ultimately, it was UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and family atmosphere that sealed the deal. His commitment represents more than just another talented guard—it’s a sign that Hubert Davis is continuing to lock down elite in-state talent while building a team hungry for banners.

Tar Heel fans should be excited. Young is the kind of player who embraces the spotlight and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Whether he’s knocking down shots from deep, diving for loose balls, or clamping down on an opponent’s top scorer, his impact will be felt from day one.

UNC’s backcourt future just got brighter—and bolder.

Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill is ready for you!

A former basketball target for UNC decommits after being selected unexpectedly.

Back in the fall, UNC basketball was in the mix for longtime Tar Heel fan Niko Bundalo

The 6-foot-10 senior forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had listed UNC among his top nine schools and later included them in his final four, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising move last November, Bundalo committed to Washington — a program that hadn’t made his previous shortlist.

Now, the recruitment race is back on. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that Bundalo has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and is once again available.

Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is now the second-highest ranked uncommitted prospect in the cycle.

It remains uncertain whether UNC head coach Hubert Davis will pursue him again, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — inspired by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make Chapel Hill a natural fit. The Tar Heels still have roster spots open for next season.

UNC Basketball Makes the Cut for the Elite Forward List

The UNC basketball program remains in the hunt for five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend.

In early January, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) standout small forward Anthony Thompson received an offer from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. Nearly four months later, UNC has secured a spot on his shortlist.

On Friday, Thompson revealed his top choices on social media, naming UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-8, 185-pound left-hander narrowed his options after drawing over 30 scholarship offers early in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Thompson currently sits at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the No. 1 prospect in Ohio.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s tough to find a jump shot that looks better,” 247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently observed, also noting Thompson’s impressive “nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan.”

The Tar Heels have issued numerous offers to 2026 prospects and remain firmly in the mix for many of their top recruiting targets.

A second UNC basketball starter arrives at the portal before the deadline.

UNC basketball has now seen several players opt to explore the transfer portal

On Monday morning, just under two days before the portal deadline, Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.