With Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram no longer on the roster, UNC basketball faces significant changes in its frontcourt for the 2024-25 season. Bacot and Ingram were instrumental last year, combining for 707 of the Tar Heels’ 1,520 rebounds and helping lead the team to an ACC regular-season title and a top NCAA Tournament seed.
Fifth-year senior RJ Davis, a key player in the upcoming season, shared his thoughts on the challenge of replacing Bacot’s contributions in an exclusive interview with The Fayetteville Observer. Davis emphasized the importance of team rebounding, noting that while Bacot was a prolific rebounder, the focus this season will be on collective effort.
Here’s a breakdown of UNC’s frontcourt players for the new season and what to expect from each:
Jalen Washington Entering his junior year, Washington is expected to fill the void left by Bacot. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 230 pounds, Washington averaged 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game last season. With Bacot’s departure, Jalen Washington will need to step up his game significantly and could be poised for his first double-double performance.
Jae’Lyn Withers As one of UNC’s most versatile defenders and athletes, Withers averaged 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds last season in 12.4 minutes per game. His strong performance off the bench, including a season-high 16 points and 10 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game, suggests he could be a key contributor in rebounding this season.
Cade Tyson A standout transfer from Belmont, Tyson is known for his shooting ability. At 6-foot-7, he averaged 15 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his previous seasons. Although he had limited rebounding success as a freshman, Tyson improved significantly in his sophomore year, making him a potential asset for UNC’s frontcourt.
Ven-Allen Lubin Lubin, a transfer from Vanderbilt, brings experience and size to the Tar Heels’ frontcourt. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 230 pounds, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season. Despite missing some games due to injury, Lubin’s strong finish to the season shows he can provide a reliable inside presence.
Drake Powell A highly regarded five-star recruit, Powell is expected to make an impact with his defensive skills and rebounding ability. At 6-foot-6, Powell has the athleticism and energy to contribute significantly as a freshman, potentially becoming one of UNC’s top rebounders.
Tyzhaun Claude A recent addition from Georgia Tech, Claude is a seasoned player who can provide depth and help with rebounding. At 6-foot-7 and 226 pounds, he averaged 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, leading the ACC in offensive rebounding percentage.
Zayden High High, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, showed promise in limited action last season. With the departure of key players, he may have the opportunity to earn more minutes and could surprise as a valuable contributor if he improves defensively.
James Brown One of three freshmen joining the team, Brown is a 6-foot-9 forward from Chicago. Although he may face a learning curve, Brown could see early action given the frontcourt’s new look.
The Tar Heels will need to rely on this diverse group to maintain their competitive edge in the ACC and beyond.
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