North Carolina Targeting Future First-Round Pick in the Transfer Portal

The North Carolina Tar Heels have been searching for frontcourt depth this offseason as they try to replace Armando Bacot’s production. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported that the Tar Heels want a true five-man from the portal this spring.

North Carolina expressed interest in Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw and Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo, who would’ve great options at center. However, Bradshaw committed to Ohio State, while Ballo went to Indiana.

While the top options are coming off the board, the Tar Heels aren’t stopping their pursuit of a big man and might have their eye on another Kentucky transfer.

UNC Rumors: North Carolina Among Finalists For Adou Thiero

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported on Friday that North Carolina is one of the five teams interested in Kentucky transfer Adou Theiro, who is a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

This season with Kentucky, Thiero averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game and started in 19 contests. North Carolina could use a high-energy big man with some explosiveness as the frontcourt depth is non-existent with Bacot done and James Okonkwo hitting the transfer portal.

However, it won’t be easy for head coach Hubert Davis to land Thiero as he could still return to Kentucky with new head coach Mark Pope or he could follow John Calipari to Arkansas. And we also must consider Pittsburgh a strong option as Borzello notes that “Pitt has quietly had some buzz for a couple weeks due to Thiero being from the Pittsburgh suburbs.”

For the Tar Heels to have success next season, they must find that big man to replace Bacot, which won’t be easy as he averaged 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game over his five-year career at North Carolina.

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