UNC Basketball: Tar Heels showing interest in potential transfer

The UNC Basketball program is showing interest in a potential transfer target according to a report from Tuesday night

Roy Williams and his staff found success with graduate transfer Cameron Johnson, getting two really good seasons out of the forward out of Pitt. This past season, the Tar Heels weren’t as lucky with both Christian Keeling and Justin Pierce struggling in their only seasons in Chapel Hill.

But even with the struggles that they have had, it hasn’t stopped Williams and his staff from seeking other potential transfers.

Rivals reporter Corey Evans tweeted out on Tuesday night that the Tar Heels are one of two schools who have recently shown interest in Santa Clara guard Trey Wertz. The Charlotte native announced on Tuesday morning that he was transferring from the program and had a number of schools already reach out.

Joining North Carolina in showing interest in Wertz are Vanderbilt, Arizona, Arizona, State, Creighton, Cincinnati, Clemson, Butler, Arkansas, Minnesota, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Stanford and Clemson. That’s a pretty lengthy list just hours into his decision.

While UNC has taken the graduate transfer route the past few years, Wertz will be considered a normal transfer meaning he will have to sit out at least one year before having two years of eligibility left. The last player to go this route with UNC is K.J. Smith when he transferred from Pacific a few years back.

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field last season. That included 40 percent from the three-point line. Even with UNC welcoming in two guards next season, they still have a need on the perimeter for the 2021-22 season. As it stands, UNC has yet to earn a verbal commitment for the 2021 class despite having several offers out.

For more on UNC Basketball recruiting, please check back with Keeping It Heel.