When it was first announced that former UNC big man Jalen Washington was going to be getting an extra year of eligibility, we won't lie, we got our hopes up. North Carolina needs another big on the roster, and the experience alone Washington provides would have been a major late win for Michael Malone and his staff.
However, any hope of a potential reunion here looks like it's been taken off the table. That's because shortly after it was revealed that Washington has one more college season left in him, buzz immediately arrived that Tennessee and Rick Barnes are the favorites to reel in the talented big.
Vanderbilt forward Jalen Washington got an injunction against the NCAA and is in the NCAA Transfer Portal.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) July 31, 2026
Rick Barnes said in June that Tennessee would be looking to add another forward to the roster.
Seems like a good fit.
🔗https://t.co/i8dF5Zz8rQ pic.twitter.com/4FaV1ugDR6
Jalen Washington trending to Tennessee is not what UNC fans wanted to see
It looks like the Washington dream lasted all of 25 seconds, as Rick Barnes and Co. indeed appear to be the top contenders to sign him in a late win for the Vols. While that'll be great news for the SEC side, it's nothing for the Tar Heels faithful to lose sleep over.
That's because something tells us UNC is still going to try to figure out a way to reel in Florida transfer Micah Handlogten. There's been plenty of buzz about the Tar Heels showing interest, with the trustworthy team over at TarHeel247 confirming there's mutual interest. Sean May and Chuck Martin both following Handlogten on social media has fans talking too.
The main roadblock standing in the way there is that the 7-1 center remains out of eligibility, as he's a member of the 2022 class, and he has played four seasons. Despite that, Hanglogten could get a medical hardship waiver, or he could also try and take legal action to be able to play for UNC or a different college program next campaign.
While things are a bit uncertain there, with all these new players managing to get a fifth year, it's something for Carolina fans to keep a close eye on. Also, it's not like the center cupboard is bare for the Heels right now, as Northwestern transfer Cade Bannerman has joined UNC, while overseas playmakers Alexandros Samodurov and 5-star Sayon Keita will also be ready to make noise.
There's been some concern about Keita's status since he hasn't been able to make the move to campus just yet, but TarHeel247 reported that this is just a visa issue, and that the staff is confident the FC Barcelona product will make his way to campus sometime in August. That all helps, while bringing in Handlogten would be the cherry on top of the center movement this offseason. Yes, going after Washington would have been nice, but if he does end up at Tennessee, it won't be a big-time bummer or anything.
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