The UNC basketball program has recently garnered attention for its decision to pass on pursuing Ugonna Onyenso from Kentucky, following the commitment of Ven Allen-Lubin from Vanderbilt. Despite having two remaining scholarships for the 2024-25 season, the coaching staff appears satisfied with the current roster. Onyenso, a towering figure at 7 feet and weighing 245 pounds, has become available for recruitment after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. He is eligible to play two more college seasons at the institution of his choosing. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has reported that Onyenso “is in the NCAA transfer portal and will now shift his attention to determining where to play his junior season.” Though there exists no specific deadline for his decision, it is imperative that he fulfills the standard enrollment prerequisites and secures a place on a willing coaching staff. During his previous year at Kentucky, Onyenso achieved an average of 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, a performance that has garnered considerable interest from numerous college basketball programs. Although there were initial expectations for UNC to address the void created by the departure of key frontcourt players, the 2024-25 team is anticipated to emerge as a strong contender and potentially rank among the top 10 or 15 teams in the upcoming season. While the latest projected rankings place UNC just outside the top 10, the potential addition of a player of Onyenso’s calibre could significantly enhance their standing.
The 7-foot Giant on the Radar for UNC Basketball
