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.

Senegalese shot-blocker Faye would bring older player to UNC’s frontcourt mix

North Carolina’s search for more frontcourt talent could include shot-blocking phenom Mouhamed “Momo” Faye. At 6–10 and 223 pounds, the Senegalese center plays for the Paris Basketball team in France’s LNB Élite and the EuroLeague, and is one reported target for Coach Michael Malone. Faye just turned 21 in February, making him older than UNC frontcourt newcomers Maximo Adams (18), Sayon Keita (18), Cade Bennerman (19) and Maxim Logue (20).

Boumtje-Boumtje was another center target for UNC, but has committed to Duke

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje has grown up around basketball long enough to understand the weight of expectations, even before his game began drawing the interest of college programs, including Carolina and Duke. His distinctive last name should be familiar. His dad is Reuben Boumtje-Boumtje (pronounced “BOOM-shay-BOOM-shay”), the former Georgetown center from Cameroon who later played in the NBA and across several European leagues.

No. 9 Coastal humbles UNC as top-10 clash turns into blowout

CHAPEL HILL — On the first day of final exams, No. 2 North Carolina had a rough night in a big test against a veteran opponent. No. 9 Coastal Carolina, the reigning national runner-up, handed the Tar Heels a 12–2 loss Tuesday at Boshamer Stadium, capitalizing on timely offense and sustained pressure against a pitching staff that struggled to stem the momentum.