UNC women's basketball loses guard to the transfer portal

Just two days after the 2023-2024 season came to a close, the UNC women's basketball program lost a player to the transfer portal.

On social media, Paulina Paris announced that she is entering the transfer portal. The Congers, New York native will be looking for a new home after spending her first two collegiate seasons in Chapel Hill.

As a freshman, Parris appeared in all 33 games, including four starts. She averaged 6.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game and was named to the All-ACC Academic Team.

Her sophomore year didn't necessarily go as planned, as injuries sidelined her for essentially the entire second half of the season. Over 15 games played, Paris' numbers took a bit of a dip, as she was inserted into the starting lineup after starting the year as the first reserve off the bench.

Unfortunately, the Tar Heels could've used her during the second half of the season, as the lack of a true point guard hurt North Carolina's offensive attack. Of course, you can't control injuries, but it would have been a great opportunity for Paris to solidify a more prominent role over the next few seasons.

According to R.L. Bynum of the Tar Heel Tribune, Paris was medically cleared to play weeks ago but, as we know, didn't over the final stretch of the season.

According to sources, Paris was cleared medically a few weeks ago but never was in uniform for a game. She didn’t practice with the team, although she warmed up with the Tar Heels some in Columbia, S.C., last weekend.

Considering the Tar Heels had essentially no guard depth over that span, it's rather curious as to why Paris wouldn't play if she was, in fact, cleared.

Now, Paris hits the transfer portal as she'll look for a fresh start elsewhere. Will she follow Destiny Adams' footsteps to Rutgers (which is closer to home), or will she find a home elsewhere with another program that could use some help at the point guard position.

It's safe to say that this won't be the only news surrounding the UNC women's basketball program this offseason, as there are likely more announcements to come over the next few weeks.

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