For readers who enjoy the Tar Heel Tribune’s coverage of Carolina athletics but not the clutter that comes with online advertising, there’s now a simple solution.
7–0 former Northwestern center Bennerman, with a 7–5 wingspan, commits to UNC
Former Northwestern center Cade Bennerman has committed to North Carolina. The 7–0, 205-pound center, who has a 7–5 wingspan, will be more of a developmental addition after redshirting during his first season at Northwestern.
UNC stays at No. 2 ahead of Tuesday clash with No. 9 Coastal Carolina
North Carolina remained No. 2 and Coastal Carolina No. 9 in the latest D1 Baseball poll heading into their showdown at Boshamer Stadium. The two perennial powers meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday (ACC Network) in the Tar Heels’ fourth game against a top-10 team in two weeks.
A look at Mali center Keita, one possible UNC target to replace Veesaar
With limited transfer portal options, Carolina’s search for Henri Veesaar’s replacement has mostly turned overseas, including one center with pro experience and plenty of potential. The Tar Heels will likely look to add more than one center. One target, according to multiple reports, is Sayon Keita (pronounced “suh-YON KAY-tuh”), a 7–0, 215-pound center from Mali who has been part of the FC Barcelona system since 2023.
UNC’s history of losing one-season players with eligibility left is short, but it began 54 years ago
The departures of Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson mark only the second time in UNC program history that two players with remaining eligibility have left for the NBA after only one season in Chapel Hill. Although there haven’t been nearly as many UNC players who turned pro after only one season as there have been at Duke, the first such Tar Heel did so 54 years ago.
UNC’s offense comes alive in run-rule rout at Duke to clinch series
DURHAM — The Carolina bats that were so quiet in the first two games at Duke turned thunderous in Saturday’s series finale. After going 27 innings without a home run, center fielder Owen Hull belted a three-run shot in No. 2 UNC’s seven-run fourth inning, and the Tar Heels rolled to a 22–5 run-rule victory at Jack Coombs Field.
Poor at-bats, big defensive mistake cost UNC despite Lynch’s outstanding pitching
DURHAM — Carolina got another outstanding pitching performance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a big early mistake and consistently failing to get a big hit. Duke snapped its six-game losing streak by turning three double plays and forcing the Tar Heels to strand 11 runners on base in a 3–1 victory Friday at Jack Coombs Field to even the series.
Veesaar declares for the NBA draft, intends to stay in draft
Henri Veesaar will enter the 2026 NBA draft, a move that formalizes the next step for one of college basketball’s most efficient big men and forces Carolina into a fast recalibration under Coach Michael Malone. Matt Norlander of CBS reported that, according to a source, Veesaar intends to stay in the draft.
DeCaro masterfully wins pitchers’ duel to beat Duke
DURHAM — In a night full of outstanding pitching, Carolina junior Jason DeCaro was the best. DeCaro was masterful in winning a duel with Duke starter Aidan Weaver as the No. 2 Tar Heels got just enough offense to earn a 3–1 victory Thursday night at Jack Coombs Field.
Wilson, Veesaar have risen in some NBA mock drafts
Two months away from the NBA draft, Caleb Wilson is projected as high as No. 2 on mock drafts, while Henri Veesaar is a consensus second-round pick who three project to go in the first round.
Former UNC guard Astakhova commits to BYU
Former UNC guard Liza Astakhova has committed to continue her college career at Brigham Young. The Russian guard, who played sparingly at Carolina last season as a freshman, made the announcement Thursday in an Instagram post.
Former UNC forward Henderson commits to Clemson
Former North Carolina freshman forward Taliyah Henderson will continue her career at ACC rival Clemson. Henderson made the announcement on Wednesday in an Instagram post, saying that she is, “Excited for what’s ahead.”
UNC roster takes shape in Tuesday flurry, with Veesaar decision looming large
When Michael Malone wrapped up a flurry of Tuesday commitments, the roster looked markedly different than when the day began. For much of April, he had constructed North Carolina’s roster deliberately, at least in public view, with far more questions than answers. That changed quickly on Tuesday, when the Tar Heels added Utah 6–3 transfer guard Terrence Brown, N.C. State 6–6 transfer guard Matt Able and Florida Atlantic 6–9 transfer center Maxim Logue.
Clutch play with two outs drives No. 2 UNC’s rout of High Point
CHAPEL HILL — No. 2 North Carolina’s blowout of High Point was a classic example of how clutch two-out plays can make all the difference. The Tar Heels escaped two bases-loaded jams in the early innings when freshman right-hander Caden Glauber got inning-ending strikeouts. The game became a rout with six two-out runs in the fourth inning of a 9–2 victory Tuesday over High Point at Boshamer Stadium.
French center Maxim Logue transferring from FAU to UNC
North Carolina added a needed frontcourt player for the start of the Michael Malone era, getting a Tuesday commitment from former Florida Atlantic big man Maxim Logue, according to multiple reports.
Former N.C. State sharpshooter Able commits to UNC
In an era when the transfer portal can turn rivals into roommates overnight, former N.C. State guard Matt Able has committed to play at rival North Carolina, according to multiple Tuesday reports.
