What's Next on the Roster Horizon?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

We have 3 incoming freshmen

Wilson​

Dixon​

Denis​

We have 3 4 portal guys

Veesaar​

Evans​

JPowell​

Stevenson​

We have 3 returning guys (probably - we've only heard from Seth, afaik)

Seth​

Lubin​

Brown​

And 3 2 who might return but who knows?

Drake​

Cade​

Zayden​

That's 9 10 scholarships that are pretty certain; rising to 12 if everybody else returns. Thirteen if we also sign Catchings.

We seem to have filled our critical holes, but it isn't clear that we have net improvement over last year. A better-balanced squad, but maybe not a better squad talent-wise. Should be a better squad if Drake returns or if we sign Watkins of Reid or another top SF.

We are allowed 15 scholarships. Should we still be aggressive in the portal (or with decommits)?

Is it time to target the best available players, or should we still target positions? If positions, which ones? Or are we done?

[Edited to add roster changes, 4/15/25]

 

[gauchoheel]

Catchings and another guard, I'd think. Go with maybe 12 guys in the end.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Who is our backup PG? Seth? Dixon? Denis? The UK decommit? Someone in the portal?

I take Seth's decision to stay here as a clue that he's not interested in playing point. Might be wrong about that but if he really wanted to play point, I think he would have transferred.

That leaves the 2 untested freshmen. Which is a great place to be if you are a freshman and willing to learn before taking the reins. But it also runs the risk that we won't have an effective PG if Evans doesn't pan out.

I'd be inclined to look for the best portal PG who's willing to play backup PG (and compete for the starting spot).

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

OP edited to reflect recent changes.

 

[heels05champs]

I think we still need a knock down perimeter shooter at the guard/wing position. I’m not seeing enough 3 point accuracy in what we’ve picked us this far. I think bringing in a 40% 3 point shooter would be worthwhile.

 

[DSouthr]

Who is our backup PG? Seth? Dixon? Denis? The UK decommit? Someone in the portal?

I take Seth's decision to stay here as a clue that he's not interested in playing point. Might be wrong about that but if he really wanted to play point, I think he would have transferred.

That leaves the 2 untested freshmen. Which is a great place to be if you are a freshman and willing to learn before taking the reins. But it also runs the risk that we won't have an effective PG if Evans doesn't pan out.

I'd be inclined to look for the best portal PG who's willing to play backup PG (and compete for the starting spot).

Back up PG, bit of a concern, as it stands right now we would be looking at when Evan comes out Seth moves over from the 2, similar to what we did with RJ and Cadeau this past season. My one concern with Seth at the point is when teams look to press us, going to need to beat that with more passing where with Cadeau they just didn't press him, he beat them with his dribble. Dixon is trying to transition tot he point and in time I could see him becoming a more Marcus type of PG but he may be more ready to help us next season as a jump shooting 2, I think he will really surprise a lot of folks with his ability to do that as a freshman.

I really like the Evan kid, he really ended last season strong, could be a kid on the verge of a break out. His being able to play with the length we now have could provide him with a ton of open look jumpers that he was not getting last season. I can easy see him clocking in 30min + a game.

 

[DaveChapelle]

We need a backup PG.

We need a backup SF.

We need a starting SF if Drake leaves.

We need to add reliable 3pt shooting.

 

[Spaceytoyz]

So far we are taller but less talented which means it’s a wash because if you are bigger you have more wiggle room for mistakes

I see 4 portal players plus 2 Freshmen with real good potential but you’ve traded a guy with his jersey in the rafters and a 5 star potential star And Jalen plus the starting PG and withers for that

So far this team is taller that’s all I can say

 

[Kool1234567]

You will never build the perfect roster or have a backup at every position…The 2 freshmen guards should play backup PG…Also the kid from WVA can play spot minutes at the 3…If Drake comes back the roster should be complete…Also the kid from Bama can play some minutes at the 3 as well…

You are not going to be 12 or 13 players deep…The freshman guards need to play period…

 

[gunslingerdick]

You will never build the perfect roster or have a backup at every position…The 2 freshmen guards should play backup PG…Also the kid from WVA can play spot minutes at the 3…If Drake comes back the roster should be complete…Also the kid from Bama can play some minutes at the 3 as well…

You are not going to be 12 or 13 players deep…The freshman guards need to play period…

I agree, it’s not realistic to find quality guys who are content to come be the 11th or 12th guy. The problem is that our starters are not top level talent. Drake (if he comes back) is and Wilson is but he’s inexperienced. Our portal hits needed a little more splash to them. But that wasn’t the case. Here’s to hoping the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I think that’s basically where we will be every offseason (along with most other programs) - hoping the collection of largely unproven talent comes together correctly.

 

[DaveChapelle]

History tells us that recruits ranked around 50 or lower aren't going to make an impact at UNC their freshman year. Also around half (if not more) of our incoming transfers in the portal era end up underperforming.

Taking that into account, the current roster doesn't seem good enough to compete for the ACC title and save Hubert's job. I'm not sure if we even have a go-to scorer among our perimeter players. But we're an injury to Evans or Trimble away from having the whole season wrecked.

 

[Spaceytoyz]

I agree, it’s not realistic to find quality guys who are content to come be the 11th or 12th guy. The problem is that our starters are not top level talent. Drake (if he comes back) is and Wilson is but he’s inexperienced. Our portal hits needed a little more splash to them. But that wasn’t the case. Here’s to hoping the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I think that’s basically where we will be every offseason (along with most other programs) - hoping the collection of largely unproven talent comes together correctly.

Like I said we’re certainly taller but who knows after that

 

[Kool1234567]

History tells us that recruits ranked around 50 or lower aren't going to make an impact at UNC their freshman year. Also around half (if not more) of our incoming transfers in the portal era end up underperforming.

Taking that into account, the current roster doesn't seem good enough to compete for the ACC title and save Hubert's job. I'm not sure if we even have a go-to scorer among our perimeter players. But we're an injury to Evans or Trimble away from having the whole season wrecked.

That’s on Hubert…He had the money and a GM…No more excuses….

 

[_B5]

For some reason I think VAL is gone, I just don’t know if he’s fine with being the backup center. I haven’t seen much to say he can play the 4 in Hubert’s offense, or has the athleticism to guard it either. At least if any more of our bigs leave he's the one I think can be replaced, as a 6’8 undersized center.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

We are bigger and very talented. Why would people assume that the nobody in our guard room will be a capable backup PG? It is far more likely that one of them (most likely Seth) steps up and is serviceable than we have 3 straight misses! Pessimism just becomes silly when you see so many hits in the portal and realize the staff is getting exactly what they wanted! The only point that even makes sense is saying RJ is a historic Tar Heel who is impossible to replace. BUT that doesn't mean we can't collectively make up for his loss! Was it possible to directly replace Hans??? Did we manage to find Bigs or not after he left? Are we really saying that JWash, Lubin, and JWit are more talented than CW, V, and JS? Are we saying that RJ, Ian, and EC, who are supremely talented but who demonstrated flaws, are head and shoulders above Kyan, Seth, Evans, and Dixon? (remember working as a team, positional size, coachability, and effective D are part of the equation too) (individually, I would agree but as a collective it is TBD) Drake is the wild card to me but even he would be better since now he NEVER has to play 4! I am not sure we are done in the portal,especially if Drake stays in the draft, but I feel confident that the team is shaping up to be a real contender. I am also optimistic the staff will continue on their demonstrably steep learning curve!

Tar Heel Forever!

 

[KinstonNC]

For some reason I think VAL is gone, I just don’t know if he’s fine with being the backup center. I haven’t seen much to say he can play the 4 in Hubert’s offense, or has the athleticism to guard it either. At least if any more of our bigs leave he's the one I think can be replaced, as a 6’8 undersized center.

At 6’8 VAL has no damn business thinking he should be the starter next year especially when there is a legitimate 7ft big man in the building. Hell he knew all year what our major weakness was; too small at the 5. Sure he did better than JW but UNC was never getting anywhere meaningful having a 6’8 guy as our starting center! He’s freaking perfect as a backup center and he should embrace that roll with open arms.

 

[Geth]

Val will flourish as a back up. He will fight harder than he already does and will be a spark.

 

[DaveChapelle]

Pessimism just becomes silly when you see so many hits in the portal and realize the staff is getting exactly what they wanted!

So you just weren't paying attention to UNC's portal recruiting at all the past few weeks?

 

[DSouthr]

At 6’8 VAL has no damn business thinking he should be the starter next year especially when there is a legitimate 7ft big man in the building. Hell he knew all year what our major weakness was; too small at the 5. Sure he did better than JW but UNC was never getting anywhere meaningful having a 6’8 guy as our starting center! He’s freaking perfect as a backup center and he should embrace that roll with open arms.

I think there should be no one safely locked in as a starter, I think this entire roster needs to compete for starter position and minutes, let the cream rise. I really like these portal additions, it has solidly addressed the main problem this team had all of last season, a severe lack of positional size. That should go from team weakness to team strength on both ends of the floor.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

I agree, it’s not realistic to find quality guys who are content to come be the 11th or 12th guy. The problem is that our starters are not top level talent. Drake (if he comes back) is and Wilson is but he’s inexperienced. Our portal hits needed a little more splash to them. But that wasn’t the case. Here’s to hoping the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I think that’s basically where we will be every offseason (along with most other programs) - hoping the collection of largely unproven talent comes together correctly.

The talent is young we don't know what they will be.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

Another shooter.

 

[gunslingerdick]

The talent is young we don't know what they will be.

Raise your hand if you think our staff can unlock hidden potential.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

Raise your hand if you think our staff can unlock hidden potential.

Cheater...lol

You didn't mention that part....lol

 

[DSouthr]

The talent is young we don't know what they will be.

Yeah, I agree, they are young but they all seem like guys on the verge of breaking out as individual players. I think the real key may be how they fit together and how Hubert will fit them together. Said differently, I think these guys will fit together nicely if Hubert does not get in the way. Hubert not getting in the way unfortunately is not something I can bet on. It is something I can hope for but history is there to argue other wise.

 

[superstar57]

Entirely different team than last season. If Drake returns I feel we are a better squad. Are we a contending squad? We should be okay for the ACC however. Loosing EC is a huge question, we actually have forward/center positions that are competitive so IMHO EC would fit better now (not mad he left).

This off season reports will be crucial in my expectations for next season. I really think Seth gives an ALL-ACC performance, I know Drake will be a load if he returns. Anything past those two, and I am really guessing.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

For some reason I think VAL is gone, I just don’t know if he’s fine with being the backup center. I haven’t seen much to say he can play the 4 in Hubert’s offense, or has the athleticism to guard it either. At least if any more of our bigs leave he's the one I think can be replaced, as a 6’8 undersized center.

Lubin may not have been a star, but he was definitely a bright spot for us last season. Perhaps because we didn't have unreasonable expectations for him?

I share your view that we haven't seen him be effective at PF, but I don't know if that means he can't be. Nevertheless, we have Wilson and Stevenson competing for that spot. So even if he can do it, is he the best option?

Obviously he could back up at center. And maybe get good minutes doing so. But is that a satisfying way to end your college career?

Veesaar only started 5 games for Arizona and only averaged 20.8 mpg. He played more minutes down the stretch (25ish) but didn't start any of the B12 or NCAA tournament games. He's expected to start for us and probably has the stamina to give 30+ mpg as a starter, but who knows? Point being there might be good PT for Lubin, but there might not. Either way, he's unlikely to start or play as much for us as he could somewhere else.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

wait….we aren’t winning the portal?

 

[Lewis&Miller]

Hubert needs another combo type guard to interchange with Evans. One that can lead and provide needed perimeter shooting. Dont think Hubert can go into his do or die year with just one legit experienced point guard. Thats irresponsible for a coach in his position. Seth only for a minute or two but mainly at mop up time. Of the freshman, only Dixon has a chance for some limited minutes when victory is well in hand. Gotta believe Hubert makes the pragmatic move and gets one more transfer.

 

[DSouthr]

Hubert needs another combo type guard to interchange with Evans. One that can lead and provide needed perimeter shooting. Dont think Hubert can go into his do or die year with just one legit experienced point guard. Thats irresponsible for a coach in his position. Seth only for a minute or two but mainly at mop up time. Of the freshman, only Dixon has a chance for some limited minutes when victory is well in hand. Gotta believe Hubert makes the pragmatic move and gets one more transfer.

I would suggest that I may trust our in-coming freshman guards more than you do. I can certainly understand your position and I would assume your position could and maybe should be the better hand to hol. I* just see Dixon as a guy that is under the radar as a guy that can hit clean look jump shots and the front line we now have seems to open up a LOT of clean looks. It may be more the position I think he could fall in to even more than his individual skill.

I have lately been watching a lot of more recent Denis tape, starting to see him as a poor man's Ian Jackson, sort of Ian without the amazing cross over or sudden first step. He does seem to have electric live wire athleticism and plays with a bit of an aggressive chip (Ian like). he is now being reported as 6'5" and kid has reach well above that. Watched a Pod with him and Theo, kid has LONG arm reach, good interview BTW. Has the tools to be a really good defender, needs to really work on that end. His jump shooting seems a bit off to me but he has improved his % so if it works don't fix it.

I think what these 2 fellas will really need for their development is simply minutes, I think they both may be able to contribute next season. We may already have the guards we are looking for and then again we may not. It is that not sure part that has me thinking maybe we do need another jump shooter.

 

[_B5]

Peja son just entered… he is what we need!

 

[Geth]

Peja son just entered… he is what we need!

Treshawn Eagle who?

 

[dtodd4475]

I have not heard anything on this front, but Rylen Griffen intrigues me. 6'6 athletic legit shooter. He killed us 2 years ago while at Bama.

 

[Geth]

We need a go to legit wing with 3 threat and another bonafide PG.

 

[Spaceytoyz]

Football Got Gio Lopez put up 3,000 total yards last year needed a proven QB

Yes I know it’s basketball board but I pull for UNC in every sport

 

[tarheels0015]

Peja son just entered… he is what we need!

Pay him & get him ! Kensucky supposedly leads for him fwiw

 

[DaveChapelle]

Pay him & get him ! Kensucky supposedly leads for him fwiw

Last time he was in the portal, the rumor was he didn't want to leave the west coast.

 

[Geth]

Last time he was in the portal, the rumor was he didn't want to leave the west coast.

He's played on two teams on the west coast... hasn't exactly panned out. Maybe a relocation would help.

 

[tarheels0015]

He's played on two teams on the west coast... hasn't exactly panned out. Maybe a relocation would help.

Yep in Chapel Hill !

 

[UNC-75]

Pay him & get him ! Kensucky supposedly leads for him fwiw

He and his family don't need the money now. They need him to be exposed as one of the best shooters around. Show him how many shots he can get up during a game and how he can be auditioned for the NBA. That is the key to getting him to listen to UNC. Doubt that happens however but he is worth the time/effort.

 

[DaveChapelle]

He and his family don't need the money now.

Hahahaha

He's looking for a big fat paycheck.