What will Hubert Davis get from Vanderbilt big man transfer Ven-Allen Lubin?

Hubert Davis has made his bread and butter in the transfer portal during his time as the UNC basketball program's head coach.

In the 2021-2022 season — coach Davis’ first year as head coach — star transfer Brady Manek was a key reason the Tar Heels made it to the championship game. Without Manek, that magical run in March wouldn’t have happened. He was the perfect piece to round out the iconic “Iron Five” lineup for the Tar Heels.

Last season, coach Davis pushed the right buttons in the portal once again. Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan both started for North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels win the ACC regular-season championship and earn a No. 1 seed in March Madness.

Can Ven-Allen Lubin from coach Davis’ three-man transfer class step up and have a major impact this season?

2023-2024 Season in Review

Lubin, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound junior transfer from Vanderbilt, is capable of playing the 4 and 5 spots. He’s at his best in the post and crashing the offensive glass for second-chance points.

On a Vanderbilt team that struggled last season, Lubin was one of their bright spots. Lubin averaged 12.3 points on 50% shooting, 6.3 rebounds and a block per game. Lubin is an efficient finisher at the rim and has a solid midrange jumper. He also has the ability to stretch the floor and bury open three-pointers, as he shot 33% from beyond the arc last season. However, his three-point volume was low, shooting just 13-39. With a small sample size, the three-ball isn't necessarily a strength of Lubin’s, but it’s in his arsenal.

Lubin’s best attributes are his positioning and rebounding. Lubin might be an undersized 5-man, but he’s got a strong base to move defenders with his hips. He’s got a muscular, filled-out frame with broad shoulders and a 7-foot-1 wingspan, helping him snatch rebounds from opponents.

Last season, Lubin finished 10th in the SEC in offensive rebound percentage (9.2%) and 10th in block percentage (4%). For reference, Armando Bacot’s offensive rebound percentage last season was 11.3%, and his block percentage was 5.1%.

What to Expect in 2024-2025

There are still so many unknowns about this North Carolina front court. In the recent Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic exhibition game, Jalen Washington emerged as the surefire leader of the bigs. Washington is locked in at the five spot. But the rest of the frontcourt minutes are up for grabs between Lubin, Cade Tyson, Jae’Lyn Withers, Ty Claude, and James Brown (and potentially Drake Powell at the 4 in small-ball lineups).

In the exhibition game, Lubin had 6 points on 3-4 shooting and 4 rebounds in 15 minutes. All three of his buckets were at the rim and came off assists from Elliot Cadeau. Lubin skyed for two dunks and weaved his way to the rim for a contested layup.

The major positive takeaway from Lubin’s performance is that he looks to be a very efficient scorer. He’s got a really soft touch around the rim and sets hard screens. Lubin also has more bounce than people give him credit for. Washington has the most versatile offensive game for the North Carolina bigs, but Lubin could be the Tar Heels’ best natural post scorer.

For Lubin to be locked in with major minutes, he needs to improve in a couple of areas. Against Memphis, he seemed a little winded getting up and down the floor. Coach Davis will definitely have all his guys in prime shape, considering the Tar Heels want to be one of the fastest teams in the country. Lubin also looked a little timid on the glass. I expect him to be a much more tenacious, high-motor rebounder once he gets settled in.

Lubin’s role could range all the way from 8th or 9th man to the starting power forward for the Tar Heels. Davis might change the starting lineup (especially at the 4 spot) more than he has in the past based on certain opponents and matchups.

Nonetheless, Lubin will be an important piece in the frontcourt for North Carolina. He’ll be one of the Tar Heels’ three or four best rebounders and one of their most reliable post players.

Bold Prediction

Lubin will be North Carolina’s best offensive rebounder and second-most impactful big man after Washington.

Lubin has made his living on the offensive glass, cleaning up misses for second-chance points. I think he’s got a real chance to be North Carolina’s best offensive rebounder. This is a bold take considering Claude finished No. 16 in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 17.2% a season ago, according to Fox Sports. Claude was also No. 1 in offensive rebounding percentage in ACC play, according to KenPom.com. But Lubin has what it takes to challenge Claude for top dog on the offensive glass.

By the time March rolls around, I also think Lubin has a real shot at being the Tar Heels’ second-most reliable and important big man. He’s a great complementary piece to Washington. Washington can space the floor out while Lubin anchors the post, or vice versa. Plus, after seeing Seth Trimble (33 points) and Cadeau (11 points and 13 assists) explode at Memphis, the possibility of a three-guard lineup seems more and more likely. If Cadeau, Trimble, and RJ Davis are out there with Washington, North Carolina could use some muscle in that small-ball lineup.

Whether Lubin comes off the bench or starts, he’ll still play a pivotal role on this North Carolina team. And this smaller, faster Tar Heels squad will look to Lubin for his strength, rebounding and inside presence.