Could Jamir Watkins be the game-changer North Carolina basketball needs for the 2025-26 season? As the sharpshooting small forward prepares for the Draft, whispers are growing that UNC might have a shot if he decides to return to basketball.
>Watkins currently projected as a-round pick, often means players consider withdrawing from the draft to boost their stock with another college season. If he follows that path, the Tar Heels are emerging as a likely destination, according to recent analysis from a national source.
UNC’s head coach Hubert Davis would certainly welcome such a late boost. The Tar Heels have missed out on several key wing recruits this offseason, notably Andrej Stojakovic, who chose Illinois. Adding Watkins, who’s ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 small forward in the transfer portal, could dramatically shift the program’s trajectory.
Watkins impressed last season at Florida State, averaging 18.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. His size and scoring ability would fill a vital role for UNC, especially after the team’s pursuit of other targets like Ivan Kharchenkov, a promising 6-6 forward playing in Germany.
Of course, much remains uncertain. The biggest questions are whether Watkins decides to withdraw from the NBA Draft and if Davis and his staff will make a serious push to secure him. But should these stars align, landing Watkins could be a transformative move for the Tar Heels as they look to bounce back next season.
