UNC Basketball: James Okonkwo commits to North Carolina

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program have filled one of their remaining scholarships on the 2023-2024 squad with the addition of James Okonkwo.

The original plan was for West Virginia transfer James Okonkwo to visit North Carolina later in the month.

However, that visit won’t be necessary, as Okonkwo has expedited the process and committed to the UNC basketball program.

The former Mountaineer made it official, as first reported by Joe Tipton of On3. Here’s what the latest addition to the Tar Heels had to say about his commitment:

"“After being in communication with the UNC coaching staff following my decision to enter the transfer portal, I have decided to commit to UNC to play for Coach Davis in the 2023-2024 season. I can’t wait to compete for a national championship at Chapel Hill and continue to develop my game. Let’s go Tar Heels!"

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward is a rising junior who averaged 2.5 points and 3.2 rebounds last season for West Virginia. He averaged just around 11 minutes per contest, as he’s expected to add some front-court depth for this year’s UNC basketball squad off the bench.

This is a solid addition for the Tar Heels, who have some questions regarding their big man depth behind Armando Bacot. With a few talented options in place, including Okonkwo, Hubert Davis and his staff will have plenty of options to work with this season as the UNC basketball program aims for another national championship run.

With Okonkwo’s addition, the UNC basketball program has two scholarships remaining on this year’s team. There’s still plenty of room for Davis and company to add even more talent before the regular season gets underway.