The North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team has always been a crucible of talent, transforming promising young players into stars. As the 2023-24 season unfolds, several new faces have emerged, poised to leave their mark on the storied program.
Here, we spotlight five players who are not just filling jerseys but are set to redefine the Tar Heels’ legacy.
Zayden High
Zayden High emerges as a towering figure in the Tar Heels lineup, bringing with him a blend of agility and strength. Hailing from Spring Branch, TX, this 6-9 freshman power forward has immediately impacted both offense and defense, showcasing his ability to control the game around the basket with his solid 225-pound frame. High’s journey to the Tar Heels was marked by a standout senior year at Arizona Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona.
Under the guidance of head coach Ed Gipson, he played a crucial role in propelling the team to a 19-9 record and a finals appearance at the GEICO National Championships in Ft. Myers, Florida. His remarkable performance earned him the Most Valuable Player title at the 2023 Hoop Hall Classic following a victory over Oak Hill Academy.
Before his time in Arizona, High left a significant mark at Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas, where he averaged 17.1 points and 9.2 rebounds over three seasons. High’s recruitment signifies the Tar Heels’ strategic move to bolster their frontcourt, promising a season of powerful plays and a formidable presence under the hoop.
Elliot Cadeau
Elliot Cadeau’s journey to the Tar Heels following his junior year at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, is a testament to his exceptional talent and the program’s anticipation of his impact. Under Coach Bill Armstrong, Cadeau played a crucial role in Link’s championship victory at the GEICO Nationals.
He recorded a tournament-record 29 assists over three games, including a memorable performance against his now-teammate Zayden High’s team in the finals. His stellar season, marked by averages of 10.9 points and 7.6 assists, led Link to a 27-1 record and earned him Second-team Max Preps All-America honors in 2023.
Cadeau’s international experience is equally impressive, having been promoted to the senior team in late 2021 and debuting against Germany in a World Cup qualifier in 2023. His remarkable 40-point game and MVP title at the U-18 Nordic Championship, where Sweden placed fourth, highlight his scoring prowess and leadership qualities.
Harrison Ingram
Harrison Ingram joins the Tar Heels with an impressive collegiate record from Stanford, averaging 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over two seasons. The 6-7 junior’s comprehensive skill set, characterized by scoring, rebounding, and facilitating, makes him an invaluable asset.
Ingram’s tenure at Stanford under Coach Jerod Haase included 62 starts, earning him the 2022 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year title and a strong finish with double-figure scores in his last 10 games. With betting enthusiasts keenly watching, Ingram is touted as a player to watch this season, with many leveraging the BetMGM North Carolina Bonus Code for wagers on his performance. His transition to the Tar Heels adds depth and versatility, promising to enrich the team’s on-court strategies.
Cormac Ryan
Cormac Ryan’s senior season at Notre Dame showcased his growth and skill set as a veteran sharpshooter. Averaging a career-best 12.3 points, with a notable increase to 19.0 points in the last three games and 14.1 points in the last 13, Ryan’s performance was a linchpin for the team. His achievement of scoring in double figures in 21 games, including 11 of the last 13, was complemented by setting personal records in three-pointers (63), assists (79), blocks (13), and steals (41).
Highlights of his season included a spectacular 23-point game against Michigan State, where he was instrumental in Notre Dame’s victory, and a 20-point game in coach Mike Brey’s final home game, securing an upset win over No. 25 Pittsburgh.
Ryan’s addition to the Tar Heels enriches their backcourt with depth, experience, and a proven ability to impact games significantly from beyond the arc.
James Okonkwo
James Okonkwo, the promising forward from Maidenhead, England, has moved to the Tar Heels, introducing a blend of international experience and formidable defensive prowess to the team. At 6-8, Okonkwo’s athleticism is not just for show; it’s a key part of his ability to influence the game, especially on the defensive front significantly.
His two-season tenure with the West Virginia Mountaineers was marked by notable achievements, including leading the team in blocked shots with 22 and securing the second-highest field goal percentage at 57.4% in his final season, all within an average of 11 minutes on the court per game.
His standout performances included career highs of 10 points and 10 rebounds in a game against Oklahoma, along with another 10-rebound game versus Texas Tech.
Summary
These five players blend homegrown talent, international flair, and experienced leadership. The Tar Heels’ recruitment and transfer strategy underscores a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future. As these players integrate into the team’s dynamics, fans and analysts will closely watch their impact, with high expectations for their contributions to the Tar Heels’ storied basketball legacy.
