UNC Basketball: Jae'Lyn Withers announces plans for 2024-2025 season

The offseason in the college basketball world is now typically chaotic, as student-athletes have various opportunities at their disposal.

For the last group of student-athletes who received the additional season of eligibility due to COVID, they have another element to their decision.

Do they return to their current school for a fifth season?
Do they enter the transfer portal to pursue other opportunities?
For some, is the professional route an option?

Jae'Lyn Withers was one of two UNC basketball players who had the opportunity to utilize a fifth season. Like his teammate, RJ Davis, Withers has elected to return to North Carolina for the 2024-2025 campaign.

Jon Rothstein was first to report the news, as the Tar Heels bring back a 6-foot-9 forward who provides them with additional athleticism and versatility.

Withers was mostly used as a reserve in his first season in Chapel Hill, as the former Louisville Cardinal had his fair share of key moments. He recorded a double-double in the Tar Heels' NCAA Tournament opener against Wagner, as his minutes began to increase come postseason play.

There are fans out there that will say this isn't a major move (as some still harbor on his missed three-pointer down the stretch against Alabama in the Sweet 16). However, this is major news for the UNC basketball program, as Withers is a guy who can provide some much-needed depth in the frontcourt.

Heading into his final collegiate season, Withers will look to once again be a key contributor for Hubert Davis' team. Whether he ends up starting or remains in a reserve role, expect to see a lot of Jae'Lyn Withers during the 2024-2025 season.