Shifting Tides in Chapel Hill: Cade Tyson Becomes Latest UNC Basketball Player to Enter Transfer Portal in Pursuit of New Opportunity
The University of North Carolina men’s basketball program is experiencing significant offseason movement, and the latest ripple comes with the departure of junior forward Cade Tyson. After just one season in Chapel Hill, Tyson has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling his intent to leave the program in search of a fresh opportunity and more consistent playing time.
Tyson, a 6-foot-7 wing known for his smooth shooting stroke and basketball IQ, transferred to UNC from Belmont University ahead of the 2024–25 season. His arrival was met with excitement, as he brought with him an impressive résumé: Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Freshman of the Year honors, followed by All-MVC Second Team accolades as a sophomore. At Belmont, he averaged 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an elite 46.5% from three-point range—numbers that instantly made him one of the most promising additions to the Tar Heels’ roster.
But the transition to one of college basketball’s biggest stages proved challenging for Tyson. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a 23-point outburst against La Salle in December where he drained five three-pointers, Tyson never carved out a consistent role in head coach Hubert Davis’s rotation. He appeared in 31 of UNC’s 37 games, but averaged just 8.0 minutes per contest, contributing 3.4 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. His perimeter shooting—long considered his signature strength—dropped to just 29.2% from deep, a far cry from his efficiency at Belmont.
The decision to enter the transfer portal is becoming increasingly common in today’s college basketball landscape, especially for players like Tyson who are seeking a larger role or a system that better suits their style of play. For Tyson, the move is a chance to reset and find a new environment where he can thrive, possibly returning to a mid-major program or joining a high-major team in need of a proven shooter with size and experience.
His departure also contributes to the broader narrative unfolding at UNC this offseason. Tyson is now the fourth Tar Heel to enter the portal since the season ended, joining the likes of Seth Trimble, Paxson Wojcik, and Jalen Washington. This roster turnover, while not uncommon in the modern era of college basketball, presents both challenges and opportunities for the Tar Heels as they look to reload and remain competitive at the national level.
For Tyson, the journey continues as he evaluates his next step. He remains a talented and valuable player—one who has already proven he can be a key contributor at the collegiate level. Whichever program lands him will be gaining a smart, high-character player with the potential to light it up from the perimeter when given the opportunity.
Meanwhile, Chapel Hill adjusts to another changing tide, as the Tar Heels navigate yet another offseason defined by movement, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of balance in an ever-evolving college basketball world.
