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UNC Basketball: An under-the-radar freshman to keep an eye on

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the second half of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 13, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the second half of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 13, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Our UNC basketball 2023-2024 player previews continue with an incoming freshman who has the makings of being an under-the-radar standout.

There are plenty of new faces on this year’s UNC basketball team, as plenty of transfers and incoming freshmen are making up the majority of Hubert Davis’ roster.

With plenty of hype surrounding five-star freshman guard Elliot Cadeau, many in the college basketball world forget that the UNC basketball program has another incoming freshman in four-star big man Zayden High.

High might not be drawing the attention of other newcomers on the roster, but we’re warning you now: don’t sleep on him. This student-athlete has the potential to be an under-the-radar star in Chapel Hill as a Tar Heel.

Prior to North Carolina

High began his high school career at Smithson Valley High School in Spring Beach, Texas. Over three seasons with the program, High averaged 17.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His best season came during his junior year when he averaged a double-double (21 points, 12.3 rebounds per contest).

Prior to his senior year of high school, High transferred to Arizona Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona. He helped lead the program to a 19-9 record and a trip to the finals of the GEICO National Championships in Ft. Myers, Florida (where he was defeated by current teammate Elliot Cadeau and Link Academy).

What to Expect in 2023-2024

How High factors into Hubert Davis’ rotation remains to be seen. If early practices are any indication, High might end up being a key factor within that said rotation.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports, star big man Armando Bacot was asked which of his UNC basketball teammates isn’t being talked enough about on the national level. Here’s his answer:

"Zayden High. The things he can do, I had no clue either. He can defend and block shots. With that length and size, and his mobility, it’s really impressive what he can do. In a couple of years, we will definitely see him becoming a pro."

Bacot has been around the UNC basketball program for quite some time now, as he’s put together a very good career as a Tar Heel. Hearing a player of Bacot’s stature talking so highly about High goes to show you just how good this freshman could be.

Bold Prediction

Some of the best players in UNC basketball history took time to develop. It isn’t a knock on anyone, but some student-athletes need more time to grow.

The Tar Heels frontcourt is rather crowded this season. Although it’s crowded, High will earn a chance to play from the early stages. Given his skillset for a player of his size, High is going to be a steady contributor to this year’s team and will progress into a vital piece of the starting unit before his time in Chapel Hill comes to a close.

Next. Elliot Cadeau set to make immediate impact. dark

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