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Expert Gives Harsh Grade to UNC Basketball Newcomer Cade Tyson

The first-year UNC basketball reserve wing averaged six times more points last season.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball forward Cade Tyson
UNC basketball forward Cade Tyson / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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UNC basketball junior Cade Tyson was one of 20 players on the preseason watchlist for the 2024-25 Karl Malone Award, presented annually to the nation's premier power forward. As a Belmont sophomore, the 6-foot-7, 200-pound guard/forward posted the second-highest 3-point percentage in the country. And many folks projected the Monroe, N.C., native to earn a spot in the starting lineup for Hubert Davis' fourth batch of Tar Heels.

ALSO READ: UNC Coach Watches Tar Heel Signee Isaiah Denis Sizzle

Through unranked UNC's 5-4 start, though, Tyson is averaging only 2.7 points, down from 16.2 last season with the Bruins. Plus, he hasn't scored a single point in any of the Tar Heels' past four outings, and he's seen a considerable dip in playing time — no more than eight minutes in a game since his relatively promising back-to-back performances in wins over American and Hawaii weeks ago.

So, on Friday morning, when 247Sports college hoops expert Travis Branham handed out grades to 19 notable transfers in the NCAA, Tyson was alone in receiving an F.

"Man, oh man," Branham wrote about Cade Tyson, younger brother of former Clemson forward and 2022-23 All-ACC First Team selection Hunter Tyson. "Belmont's Cade Tyson came to North Carolina with a huge reputation, thanks to being one of the best shooters in the MVC...

"So far, he's shooting just 26.7 percent this season from three. However, the glaring issue has been his defense and keeping guys in front of him on the perimeter...In mid-December, he's barely in UNC's rotation."

The UNC basketball squad, including several other players who have fallen well short of exceeding expectations, hosts the unranked La Salle Explorers (6-4, 0-0 Atlantic 10) in the Dean E. Smith Center at 4 p.m. ET Saturday (The CW Network).

ALSO READ: UNC Pro Armando Bacot Makes Big Statement in G League

Stay tuned to North Carolina 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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