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Achol Akot earns major preseason recognition ahead of first season at UNC

The Oklahoma State transfer hasn't made her official UNC debut yet, but she's already viewed as one of the nation's top small forwards.
ByNick Delahanty
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Oct 6, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Achol Akot answers questions from the media during the ACC Basketball Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Achol Akot answers questions from the media during the ACC Basketball Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Courtney Banghart added plenty of talent to UNC's roster via the transfer portal this offseason, and one of those additions is already earning some major national recognition.

Achol Akot has been named to the preseason watch list for the Cheryl Miller Award, which annually recognizes the top small forward in Division I women's college basketball.

The Oklahoma State transfer arrives in Chapel Hill after a breakout junior season, and the recognition adds to the excitement about what Akot could bring to the Tar Heels this season.

Achol Akot arrives at UNC with some major expectations

Akot transferred to North Carolina after a breakout junior season at Oklahoma State, where she became one of the country's most efficient players.

The 6-foot-1 forward averaged 12.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while starting all 34 contests for the Cowgirls. Even more impressive was how efficiently she produced those numbers.

Akot connected on 63.3% of her field-goal attempts, a mark that ranked second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally. She scored in double figures 21 times, recorded six double-doubles, and earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors.

Now, she'll look to bring that production to Chapel Hill.

North Carolina entered the offseason needing more experience and production, and Akot checks both of those boxes. She is a post beast who will help anchor UNC's frontcourt, and her offensive efficiency will certainly help this year's team. The preseason recognition only heightens the excitement about what she could bring to Courtney Banghart's lineup.

Of course, making the watch list is only the beginning.

The 20-player field will be narrowed to 10 candidates in February, with five finalists selected in March. If she builds on her strong junior season, this won't be the only national award Akot will be considered for when it's all said and done.

Akot and the Tar Heels open their season on Monday, November 2, in Paris, facing No. 21 Oklahoma, giving Akot a chance to begin her Tar Heel career on the national stage.

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