UNC portal updates: Jarin Stevenson returns, Michael Malone lands first transfer

Shelby Swanson, The News & Observer on Apr 13, 2026

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — UNC forward Jarin Stevenson will stay in Chapel Hill for the 2026-27 season, he announced Monday afternoon, giving North Carolina an experienced, versatile role player heading into Year 1 under Michael Malone.

The 6-foot-10 junior from Chapel Hill started 25 games in his first season at North Carolina after transferring from Alabama. He averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game at UNC.

Stevenson scored in double figures 10 times (seven in ACC play) and was one of the Tar Heels’ more reliable two-way options — particularly late in the season. He finished among North Carolina’s top five scorers for the 2025-26 campaign and showed plenty of growth over the course of the season as his confidence grew and physicality improved.

A former North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, Stevenson reclassified and skipped his final year of high school to attend Alabama early.

Stevenson focused on becoming a more consistent player since returning home to Chapel Hill this past offseason. He closed his junior season with improved efficiency, shooting 47.2% overall (including 52.4% over his final nine games entering the NCAA Tournament) after shooting 42.9% in his year prior at Alabama.

His return will help stabilize UNC’s frontcourt for the upcoming season. And it’s only one piece of major North Carolina roster news as the Tar Heels have closed in on their first transfer portal addition under Michael Malone.

Who is Neoklis Avdalas?

North Carolina landed a significant addition in the transfer portal with the commitment of Neoklis Avdalas, per multiple reports Monday.

Avdalas is a versatile 6-foot-9 guard and rising sophomore who immediately bolsters the Tar Heels’ backcourt. The former Virginia Tech standout averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds last season, starting all 31 games he played for the Hokies while ranking among the ACC’s top playmakers. His combination of size, scoring ability and vision — he ranked eighth in the ACC in assists per game — made him one of the most sought-after players in the portal.

A native of Kalamata, Greece, Avdalas brings a professional background that sets him apart. Before arriving in the ACC, he developed with Panathinaikos and earned Greek League Best Young Player honors in 2024 and 2025, along with Most Improved Player in 2025. That experience translated quickly to the college level, highlighted by multiple 30-point performances, including a 33-point outing against Providence.

Avdalas’ ability to handle, create and defend multiple positions raises UNC’s ceiling entering the 2026-27 season and signals a strong start to Malone’s offseason roster building.

Other UNC portal news

Over the weekend, North Carolina had a Tar Heel enter the portal and another player announce their return.

Luka Bogavac decided to enter the transfer portal, per multiple reports, over the weekend. Bogavac, a 6-foot-6 junior from Mojkovac, Montenegro, played in all 33 games for the Tar Heels last season, averaging 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per game.

Meanwhile, UNC junior guard Jaydon Young plans to return to North Carolina, he confirmed on Instagram.

He initially entered the transfer portal ahead of Michael Malone’s hiring.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard from Goldsboro spent one season with the Tar Heels, averaging 1.8 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 7.2 minutes per game. He made 31 appearances and four starts.

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