BREAKING: Four-Star Joakim Noah Declines Chicago, Recommits to Tar Heels in Stunning Twist
By Cameron Fields | ESPN College Basketball Insider
July 16, 2025 โ Chapel Hill, NC
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, four-star power forward Joakim Noah has officially decommitted from Chicago State and reaffirmed his commitment to the University of North Carolina, sources confirmed Tuesday morning.
The 6’10”, 220-pound rising star โ not to be confused with the former NBA All-Star of the same name โ had initially pledged to UNC in early 2024 before flipping to Chicago State in a headline-grabbing decision this past spring. But after what insiders describe as “weeks of reflection, family discussions, and conversations with key mentors,” Noah is heading back to Chapel Hill.
> โItโs where my heart is,โ Noah told ESPN in an exclusive interview. โUNC is home. The culture, the coaching staff, the