Nicholson’s glove, bat accelerate UNC’s 11th run-rule win of the season

CHAPEL HILL — Cooper Nicholson’s glove and bat in the sixth inning steadied the game for No. 2 Carolina when the game could have swung Pittsburgh’s way. A terrific defensive play and a two-run home run by the junior third baseman in the sixth inning accelerated the Tar Heels’ 12–2 eight-inning victory Saturday at Boshamer Stadium, their 11th run-rule win of the season, to secure their sixth consecutive ACC series victory.

Samodurov, a Greek center target, former teammate of UNC commitment Avdalas

North Carolina’s push to reinforce its frontcourt includes yet another European center who has a connection to one of the Tar Heels’ newcomers.
Alexandros Samodurov (pronounced “sa-muh-DJOOR-ahv”) is a 6–11, 212-pound Greek center who has already played in the EuroLeague. Multiple reports in the past week link UNC to Samodurov as he evaluates his college options while also going through the NBA draft process.

UNC among schools targeting elite shot-blocking former FAU center Williams

North Carolina’s search for more frontcourt help has mostly focused on overseas talent, but the Tar Heels are one of a few programs targeting an elite shot-blocker in the transfer portal. Former Florida Atlantic center Devin Williams is 6–10, 210 pounds, and averaged 2.6 blocks per game last season as a redshirt sophomore. He visited Arizona this week and, in addition to UNC, has heard from Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

Busch, Gallen among 34 Tar Heels in pro baseball, several off to good starts

Michael Busch’s season has started to turn in the direction the Chicago Cubs expected, and Friday offered a clear snapshot of why. Busch, Arizona pitcher Zac Gallen and Seattle reliever Cooper Criswell are in the major leagues. There are 24 other Tar Heels in the minor leagues, along with seven others in non-affiliated leagues.

‘Future of French basketball,’ Dessert could be one UNC answer at center

North Carolina’s frontcourt makeover has leaned hard into height and upside, but lacks a big, physical and experienced center who can mix it up inside with the best big men in the country. One answer could be 6–11, 247-pound Brice Dessert (pronounced “Breess deh-ZAHR”), a 23-year-old French center who has been mentioned as a possible target for the Tar Heels.