After landing Ven Allen-Lubin earlier this off-season, it was believed that Carolina’s roster was officially set for the 2024-25 season. But then Hubert Davis got involved in recruiting a reclassified big man from overseas in Julius Halaifionua before he ultimately ended up committing to Georgetown. But after recent reports last night, the roster may not be finalized for the upcoming season.
Earlier this week, the NCAA granted Tyzhaun Claude a waiver, and is eligible to play in the 2024-25 season. Claude is in the transfer portal, after playing previously at Morehead State, Western Carolina, and last season at Georgia Tech, and reports surfaced last night, that UNC has contacted him. During his 2022-23 season at Western Carolina, Claude averaged 15.4 points per game, and 8.6 rebounds, while being named to the 2022-23 All-Southern Conference team. His lone season at Georgia Tech, saw him post 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. Across his three previous stops, Claude has started 51 games, while appearing in 102 overall.
All off-season long, Hubert Davis has tried to solidify the frontcourt, after losing Armando Bacot to graduation. The fan base hasn’t celebrated the addition of Ven Allen-Lubin, and it’s evident that Hubert isn’t satisfied with how his frontcourt currently looks. At 6-8, Claude would bring more experience to that group, which desperately needs it, with Jalen Washington set to start, after two seasons as a reserve. Zayden High has had a good summer, but might not be ready to contribute on a nightly basis in the ACC. James Brown arrives as a freshman, and like Washington and High, will take some time to contribute.
If Carolina wants to add Claude for the upcoming season, they’ll have to move quickly, as the start of the academic year is right around the corner. It’s unknown how many schools are interested in Claude’s services, but having a blue blood interested in you, and one from your home state, you’d think would give UNC an early leg up, if they are truly interested in adding him to the roster, for what will be a highly anticipated season once again in Chapel Hill.
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