It's a huge offseason for the UNC basketball program, one that got off to a very slow start following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season.
Since the Tar Heels lost to Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, there hasn't been much clarity in regard to next year's unit. Sure, we know that RJ Davis, Ty Claude and Jae'Lyn Withers have exhausted their eligibility, and also found out that Elliot Cadeau and Jalen Washington are taking their talents elsewhere.
While there's been some rumblings about the likely returns of Ven-Allen Lubin and Seth Trimble (neither of which is officially confirmed), the rest has seemed to be a quiet chase for information.
North Carolina has shown "interest" in a handful of players and had one in for an official visit (Nick Boyd), but at this point in the early stages of the offseason, it is a fair question to ask:
What is North Carolina waiting for?
The likely answer is the status of both Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. Both former five-star freshmen are exploring their options, both professionally and collegiately.
Both players have likely already submitted their names to the NBA’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee (UAC), a group that provides NBA Draft feedback for interested parties. This is a process that could take up to two weeks to get an answer back, as it's likely both players are still being reviewed.
If the feedback indicates that they are both projected as first round picks, expect them both to leave Chapel Hill this offseason.
Based on what we know, it seems more likely that Powell, who is probably viewed higher on most draft boards than Jackson, would return to North Carolina. If Jackson elects to stay in college (which he never expected to do, going on the record multiple times saying he's going to be a one-and-done player), he might be more likely to explore options in the transfer portal.
However it plays out, their decisions will have major ramifications on next year's roster, as the Tar Heels could potentially lose two more starting caliber players if they depart.
Of course, the UNC basketball program needs another big man (or two), as social media makes sure we remember every time we post something regarding the offseason. The options right now are interesting, but it doesn't seem like the right fit is out there on the market (just yet).
Sure, more players could enter the portal, providing more viable options for the UNC basketball program. While that sounds like a great idea, it's also fair to ask how long should the Tar Heels be willing to wait it out and see, as you don't want to fall behind to a point where the talent crop is washed up before you're willing (and able) to strike.
Tar Heel fans are getting impatient, as a lot is riding on this offseason. Don't worry- Jim Tanner, Hubert Davis and the entire UNC basketball staff are well-aware of how vital this offseason is for the future of the program.