Laila Hull set to make her UNC women's basketball debut this season

Last season, fans of the UNC women's basketball got bad news before the season even started.

Two freshmen, Laila Hull and Ciera Toomey, announced they were redshirting due to rehabbing injuries that they suffered in high school. Now, a year later, we're finally ready to see them both in action as they'll make their anticipated debuts.

Hull, a former four-star recruit, put together a decorated high school career. She earned Indiana Miss Basketball and Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors, averaging 22.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during her senior season at Zionsville Community College in Indiana.

Now, Hull aims to make an immediate impact on this year's UNC women's basketball squad.

2023-2024 Season In Review

Toomey was forced to miss the entire 2023-2024 season due to rehabbing an injury she suffered during high school. She, along with fellow classmate Ciera Toomey, both redshirted for the 2023-2024 season.

What to Expect in 2024-2025

We hear a lot about Toomey, but Hull seems to be the under-the-radar player of this year's team.

I have a feeling that Hull is going to surprise college basketball fans this season, especially the hometown faithful in Chapel Hill. While I don't expect her to start, I could see her being a vital reserve off the bench, as she could be a player that Courtney Banghart elects to use in various positions throughout the season.

Bold Prediction

While this year will be one where the Tar Heels likely ease her back into the mix, don't be surprised if there's talk about her being a starter on next year's team.

Having been around the program for over a year now, I expect it to be an easier transition for Hull as she returns to action. I think that she has a lot to prove and will become one of the hidden gems of the very talented recruiting class she came to Chapel Hill with.