Let's be real here for a second - it just always seemed like UNC and Michael Malone were facing an uphill climb to bring Jalen Washington back to Chapel Hill. At the same time, was the interest really off the ground in the first place? It's hard to say, but that's meaningless right now, as the veteran big man has officially committed to Tennessee.
Joe Tipton was the one to break the news, and we can't say we're surprised by it, as head man Rick Barnes had been prioritizing Washington as soon as he was given an extra year of eligibility, while Malone and his staff have been looking elsewhere for center help. So, sure, seeing Washington join the Vols isn't ideal, but no need to lose any sleep over this:
BREAKING: Vanderbilt transfer forward Jalen Washington has committed to Tennessee, @JoeTipton reports🍊
— On3 (@On3) August 3, 2026
Washington averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season. https://t.co/VTyYmCKih2 pic.twitter.com/4Kqg5jLJpR
North Carolina remains interested in Cameron Fens and Micah Handlogten despite missing out on Jalen Washington
Washington signed with North Carolina in 2022, spending the first three years of his career in the ACC. After the 2024-25 campaign, though, the 6-10, 245-pounder decided to enter the transfer portal, with Vanderbilt landing his services. Last campaign with Vandy, Washington averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
With Judge Charlotte Sweeney opening the door for Washington to play one more season, it's understandable that multiple teams were showing strong interest. Alas, he indeed won't be suiting up for the Tar Heels, but the UNC faithful really shouldn't be too bummed about things.
That's because there are still two key targets for Malone to go after: Cameron Fens and Micah Handlogten. Fens is the new veteran big the Tar Heels have been confirmed to be in contact with, as he was a pretty solid player for South Dakota last season. As for Handlogten, those wheels have been in motion a bit longer, and in terms of picking between the two, the Florida transfer might make more sense for what Malone and Sean May are looking for.
With Handlogten entering the transfer portal in early April, the road is open for him to transfer to UNC. Fens is trying to earn an extra year through a lawsuit filed in Tennessee, as he didn't enter the portal like Handlogten. That's where things could get a touch complicated for the former South Dakota standout, who averaged more than 14 points per game last season.
Regardless of that, UNC is doing its due diligence on both centers, which makes the loss of Washington (if you even want to call it that) much easier to swallow. In the coming days, Malone could end up landing a commitment of his own, which would no question make everyone forget all about Washington deciding to pack his bags for Knoxville. Nothing to see here, as UNC is still doing work elsewhere behind the scenes.
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