Can the Tar Heels land Kentucky big man Ugonna Onyenso?

Up to this point, the quest for a genuine center has been turbulent, with the Tar Heels facing setbacks in their pursuit of various prospects. Nonetheless, the transfer portal offers a silver lining, ensuring a continuous array of options. The most recent prospect linked to North Carolina is Ugonna Onyenso, a seven-foot player who recently completed two seasons with Kentucky.

Onyenso posted averages of 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game during his time with the Wildcats. Despite playing limited minutes, his shot-blocking prowess ranked him fifth nationally with 2.8 blocks per game. Known for his exceptional rim protection and defensive skills, Onyenso also showcased efficiency around the basket, shooting 55% from the field.

Apart from entering the transfer portal, Onyenso has declared for the NBA draft without an agent, seeking valuable feedback. While aiming to stay in the draft if circumstances align, his current ranking as No. 65 in ESPN’s prospect list suggests a return to college is probable. Onyenso’s primary objective is to demonstrate his shooting abilities and versatility beyond the paint, a facet he aims to showcase under Coach Hubert Davis.

With the departure of Armando Bacot, North Carolina requires a dominant presence in the paint, a role Onyenso’s size and shot-blocking skills align well with. The team’s roster already boasts shooters like Jalen Washington and Zayden High, but lacks a towering figure like Onyenso. Amidst discussions with various schools and NBA aspirations, Onyenso’s decision remains pending, with Carolina and Louisville emerging as frontrunners, while Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Alabama, and Georgetown also in contention.