As a sophomore at West Virginia in 2022-23, James Okonkwo played 31 games and led the Mountaineers in blocked shots.
But this past season, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward from England made only 15 appearances for Hubert Davis’ third UNC basketball team, averaging 1.0 points and 1.0 rebounds in 2.9 minutes per outing.
The news marks the first of any kind this offseason for the Tar Heels, who could see several more departures to the transfer portal or pro ranks in the coming weeks.
As things stand, the UNC basketball program has five open scholarships for next season. Again, though, that number may change, depending on what guys like RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram, and others decide to do.
Of course, there’s a chance that the 20-year-old James Okonkwo returns to Chapel Hill after exploring his options in the portal.
However, such a move is rare.
Sometimes, a player has to do what’s best for them.
Maybe that player didn’t truly fit in with a program when stepping on campus, get as much playing time, or simply wanted to go somewhere else due to personal preference.
There has been several players transfer from the UNC women’s basketball team, which lost in a blowout to South Carolina during the Round of 32 this year.
No Tar Heel starters have transferred yet (as of Saturday, April 6), but the four already have been reserves.
