Jarin Stevenson Returns Home To Join Tar Heels

In a significant move for both the player and the program, Jarin Stevenson, a 6-foot-11 forward, has committed to the University of North Carolina (UNC) after two seasons at Alabama. The announcement came late Sunday night, April 13, 2025, marking a full-circle moment for the Chapel Hill native who is returning home to don the Tar Heels jersey.

Stevenson, who entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 9, 2025, will have two years of eligibility remaining at UNC. His decision to transfer back to his hometown school is a pivotal moment, especially considering his previous recruitment saga that kept him at Alabama instead of joining the Tar Heels earlier in his career.

During his time at Alabama, Stevenson played a total of 74 games, starting 27 of them, and averaged 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. He displayed his skills as a versatile defender and a three-point shooter, hitting 63 shots from beyond the arc at a 31.2 percent success rate over his two seasons. His performance helped the Crimson Tide reach the Final Four in 2024, where they famously defeated the top-seeded Tar Heels in the Sweet 16.

Stevenson's recruitment was closely followed, as he was rated as a four-star recruit by both ESPN and 247 Sports in the Class of 2024. He initially committed to Alabama after reclassifying, effectively skipping a year of high school to join the college ranks early. This decision came after a series of visits to UNC, where he was heavily recruited by head coach Hubert Davis.

Reflecting on his past, Stevenson stated, "I watched quite a bit of North Carolina basketball -- I was 10 minutes away from their campus -- so I watched quite a bit. I know a lot of their coaches, a lot of their players. Yeah, it's definitely surreal, just a full-circle moment for sure playing North Carolina." His mother, Nicole Walker Stevenson, played for the Tar Heels from 1995 to 1998, contributing to the program's rich history.

At Alabama, Stevenson had notable performances, including a season-high 19 points against Clemson in the Elite Eight, where he hit five three-pointers. This season, he reached a new career high with 22 points in a game against Texas, showcasing his potential as a scoring threat. Alabama head coach Nate Oats praised Stevenson’s defensive capabilities, particularly his performance against UNC’s star guard R.J. Davis, where he helped limit Davis to just 7-for-24 shooting in their December matchup.

Stevenson's commitment marks the fourth transfer addition for UNC this offseason, joining fellow transfers Jonathan Powell from West Virginia, Henri Veesaar from Arizona, and Kyan Evans from Colorado State. The Tar Heels are looking to bolster their roster after a disappointing 2024-25 season, where they barely made the NCAA Tournament and were eliminated in the first round.

As UNC aims to reload and improve for the upcoming season, Stevenson's size and shooting ability will be crucial. With a need for a power forward, his arrival is expected to provide an immediate impact as the Tar Heels look to reclaim their status as a national contender.

Stevenson’s journey back to UNC is not just a personal victory but also a strategic move for the program. With his family ties to the university and his local roots, he embodies the spirit of Tar Heel basketball. As he prepares to transition back to UNC, fans are eager to see how he will contribute to a team that aims to rise from the challenges of the previous season.

In conclusion, Jarin Stevenson’s transfer to North Carolina is a promising development for both the player and the program. His return home is not only a testament to his growth as a player but also a reflection of the deep connections that often shape a college athlete's journey. With his skills and experience, Stevenson is poised to make a significant impact in his upcoming seasons with the Tar Heels.