Alright, Tar Heel fans, gather ’round because we’ve got some spicy transfer portal action going down in Chapel Hill. It’s late April, and things are getting interesting for the UNC squad for the 2025-26 season. So, what’s the buzz all about? It’s all eyes on center Ven-Allen Lubin, aka the guy who’s keeping us all on our toes.
So here’s the deal: Ven-Allen Lubin decided to enter the transfer portal. Now, I know that might make you think he’s packing his bags and heading out of town, but hold onto your Carolina Blue hats. He’s doing something a bit unconventional—Lubin intends to stick around with the Tar Heels next season. Yup, you heard that right.
In his own words via social media, Lubin said he wants to keep it real with everyone. His move is all about the nitty-gritty of NCAA rules and settlements—sounds like a stretch, but hey, college ball has its quirks. Basically, he’s dipped into the portal for a third time (he did a tour with Notre Dame and Vanderbilt before donning the UNC uniform) and is hoping for a clean slate to return.
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Now, let’s rewind a bit. Lubin had a breakout first season with North Carolina. He played in all 37 games, starting in more than half of them, and rounded out his stats with 8.7 points and 5.5 boards per game. He legit came alive as the main man in the paint during the last stretch of the season, hitting double figures in each of UNC’s final 11 games.
But hold up—UNC wasn’t just sitting around waiting to see what Lubin would do. They went ahead and recruited Henri Veesaar, a center from Arizona, beefing up their roster. At this point, they’re all about that insurance policy. It’s chess, not checkers, in college hoops.
Given all of this, the expectation is still that Lubin’s going to be clocking decent minutes next season. When you’ve got a guy who’s proved he can deliver in clutch moments, you don’t want him sitting on the side doing crossword puzzles.
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