On Tuesday, new head coach Hubert Davis said that the UNC program would use the transfer portal to their advantage, to build a championship contender. On Thursday he held true to his word when he offered UVA transfer Justin McKoy. Today, that effort was rewarded as McKoy will join the Tar Heels for the upcoming season, choosing UNC over ACC foes Wake Forest and Clemson. McKoy became the ACC first player to transfer into the program since Cam Johnson arrived in 2017. McKoy also becomes the first under-graduate transfer to come to Chapel Hill, since Mahktar N’Diaye back in 1995.
McKoy appeared in 33 games while with the Virginia program, averaging 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. McKoy, a product of Cary, NC at first committed to Penn State, before winding up in Charlottesville. The ACC passed legislation to allow in conference transfers, after being the last P5 conference to do so, so expect an uptick in such moves moving forward.
While McKoy’s numbers aren’t eye popping, this is a big get for Hubert Davis. As of right now, he doesn’t have a finalized staff, but this speaks to his ability to build and form relationships with current players, and recruits. Carolina has lost 4 post players to the transfer portal, and with Day’Ron Sharpe off to the NBA, and Armando Bacot going through the NBA Draft process, UNC could play with a smaller lineup next season. At 6-8, McKoy’s size would allow Hubert Davis to do just that, and still be able to compete on the backboards. With his time in Tony Bennett’s system, you’d have to imagine that McKoy is a very good individual, and team defender. While the KenPom numbers were good to the Tar Heels last season, their inability to contain the dribble was costly, especially in the season ending loss to Wisconsin. His size and length will also be utilized as a defender, as the Tar Heels will try to force more turnovers starting next season.
McKoy becomes the first of potential transfers UNC brings in this season. Before Roy Williams' retirement, they had made contact with Noah Locke from Florida. Since being named the head coach, Davis has had conversations about Walker Kessler returning next season, although Auburn and Gonzaga are still in the mix for the former 5 star Georgia product. Sean May is believed to be the lead recruiter for Hubert Davis, as he’s still in the process in finalizing his staff.
Make sure to stay tuned to the Heel Tough Blog, for the latest recruiting news around Carolina Basketball.
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