Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Showing Interest in Big 10 Transfer

Sports Illustrated

After missing out on Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic earlier today, Hubert Davis, Jim Tanner, and the Tar Heels have turned their attention to USC transfer Desmond Claude, who will visit with the reigning national champions, the Florida Gators, later this week. Claude played at a high level for the Trojans this past season, averaging 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 31% from behind the arc. Before arriving at USC, Claude played two seasons in the Big East at Xavier, giving him power conference experience every year he’s played college basketball. For his career, Claude has averaged 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 27% from behind the arc.

Claude is only available because USC pursued Maryland transfer, Rodney Rice, who was seeking nearly $3 million after leaving the Maryland program, in the wake of Kevin Willard leaving College Park for Villanova. It does make you wonder how much Claude is seeking, let alone demanding, while out on the open market. 

This quick pivot after missing out on Stojakovic is a sign that Hubert Davis feels the need to add to his roster, to best compete in both the ACC and on a national level. More importantly, it’s probably a sign that they don’t expect Ven-Allen Lubin to return for his senior season, in light of him entering the transfer portal, while the sport awaits a settlement at the federal level, that would require schools to set aside $20 million dollars to pay it’s student athletes.

In addition to Claude considering Florida and UNC, he is also considering Kansas and Virginia.

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