In an exciting development for Tar Heels fans, Jaydon Young, a transfer from Virginia Tech, has officially committed to join head coach Hubert Davis and the University of North Carolina basketball team. His decision, made on April 25, marks him as the fifth player to enter UNC via the transfer portal in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
A Legacy of North Carolina Natives
Looking back over the past decade, North Carolina has consistently benefitted from the talent of local players. Notably, the 2017 national championship team featured several key contributors from the state, including Greensboro’s Theo Pinson, Charlotte’s Kennedy Meeks, Oxford’s Isaiah Hicks, and Huntersville’s Luke Maye. Recent seasons have also seen players like Pittsboro’s Drake Powell and Charlotte’s Jae’Lyn Withers play pivotal roles under Davis’s leadership. Moreover, Concord’s Leaky Black was instrumental in leading the Tar Heels to the 2022 Final Four, establishing himself as one of UNC’s premier defenders.
What Jaydon Young Brings to the Team
Young steps into a crucial role for the Tar Heels, who are looking to rebuild after losing three of their top four guards from last season. Departed players include RJ Davis, who is the second-leading scorer in program history, facilitator Elliot Cadeau (now at Michigan), and explosive scorer Ian Jackson (transferring to St. John’s). In response, Young will likely join senior guard Seth Trimble and Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans as the primary guards for the upcoming season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Young averaged 8.1 points per game last season while primarily coming off the bench for the Hokies. However, his potential shines through, especially when examining his performance during his ten starts, where he averaged 10.5 points per game. Although his shooting percentage was a modest 34.7%, he exhibited moments of brilliance, particularly in the final six games of the Atlantic Coast Conference, where he averaged 16.3 points on 40% shooting, including two standout games with at least 26 points.
For the Tar Heels to excel next season, Young must translate his scoring ability into consistent performance at Chapel Hill. With his talent and the rich tradition of North Carolina basketball, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact and perhaps carve out his own legacy as a Tar Heel.
