All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Program Loses Big Man to Transfer Portal

James Okonkwo becomes the first outbound UNC basketball transfer this year.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball forward James Okonkwo
UNC basketball forward James Okonkwo / Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports
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As a sophomore at West Virginia in 2022-23, James Okonkwo played 31 games and led the Mountaineers in blocked shots. But this past season, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward from England made only 15 appearances for Hubert Davis' third UNC basketball team, averaging 1.0 points and 1.0 rebounds in 2.9 minutes per outing.

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So, with another year of eligibility remaining, it's no surprise that Okonkwo is seeking a bigger role elsewhere by entering the transfer portal, as first reported by 24/7 High School Hoops on Friday morning.

The news marks the first of any kind this offseason for the Tar Heels, who could see several more departures to the transfer portal or pro ranks in the coming weeks.

And chances are Davis and his staff will fill out their 2024-25 roster by adding at least a couple of veteran transfers to join their three-deep 2024 recruiting class, featuring two five-stars and McDonald's All-Americans in guard Ian Jackson and forward Drake Powell, along with four-star center James Brown.

As things stand, the UNC basketball program has five open scholarships for next season. Again, though, that number may change, depending on what guys like RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram, and others decide to do.

Of course, there's a chance that the 20-year-old James Okonkwo returns to Chapel Hill after exploring his options in the portal. However, such a move is rare.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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