Georgia Tech switch Tyzhaun Claude has dedicated to UNC basketball, Claude introduced Wednesday in a social media submit.
Every week after being granted one other 12 months of eligibility by the NCAA, with fall courses scheduled to begin Aug. 19 at UNC, Claude is about to affix the 2024-25 Tar Heels.
With Claude’s dedication, fourth-year coach Hubert Davis has added one other veteran presence who figures to spice up UNC’s rebounding numbers. Fifth-year senior RJ Davis and sophomore Elliot Cadeau are the returning starters from final season, however the Tar Heels have to switch their main choices within the frontcourt.
In early August, RJ Davis instructed The Fayetteville Observer that rebounding can be extra of a crew effort with Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram, UNC’s high two rebounders final season, not on the roster.
A 6-foot-7, 226-pound ahead, Claude averaged 4.8 factors and 5.2 rebounds throughout 32 video games final season for the Yellow Jackets. Right here’s a deeper take a look at the roster round Claude and the way he might help the Tar Heels this season.
Rebounding is the important thing for Tyzhaun Claude in becoming a member of Tar Heels
If you happen to simply check out averages for factors and rebounds, the numbers don’t precisely pop off the web page for Claude.
However breaking it down additional, Claude was No. 10 nationally in offensive rebounding proportion (15.7%) final season, in response to KenPom.com. In convention video games, Claude led the ACC in offensive rebounding proportion (16%), flattening at the least three offensive rebounds in 9 of 20 league video games.
In Georgia Tech’s 74-73 win towards UNC, Claude completed with 9 factors, eight rebounds and three blocks towards the Tar Heels. The Goldsboro native began his profession at Morehead State, however missed most of two seasons there with a knee damage.
After transferring to Western Carolina, Claude averaged 15.4 factors and eight.6 rebounds per recreation. If he can present rebounding for the Tar Heels, Hubert Davis will give the veteran minutes.
UNC basketball 2024-25 roster round Tyzhaun Claude
Along with Claude, the Tar Heels added two extra gamers through the switch portal in Belmont wing Cade Tyson and Vanberbilt ahead Ven-Allen Lubin. Together with Lubin, who averaged 12.3 factors and 6.3 rebounds per recreation for the Commodores, returners Jalen Washington (3.9 ppg, 2.6 rbg) and Jae’Lyn Withers (4.2 ppg, 3.6 rbg) are projected to be UNC’s main choices within the frontcourt so far as rebounding.
The Tar Heels additionally added some athleticism within the type of three incoming freshmen: guard Ian Jackson, wing Drake Powell and ahead James Brown. Sophomore ahead Zayden Excessive might additionally see elevated minutes within the submit this season. Claude’s expertise and up to date success on the boards might present invaluable depth for a crew that had some additional scholarships.
Workers author Rodd Baxley could be reached atrbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
