Jarin Stevenson following in a family member's footsteps by playing UNC basketball
Just a couple years after Chapel Hill native Jarin Stevenson chose to start his college basketball career at Alabama, he's coming back home to UNC via the transfer portal.
North Carolina experienced glaring frontcourt issues during its 2024-2025 season, but quickly addressed that need through high school recruiting and the 2025 offseason portal. The Tar Heels already had 5-star power forward Caleb Wilson coming in, but also nabbed Arizona center Henri Veesaar.
Stevenson is the newest addition to UNC's roster, but he's far from a stranger when it comes to North Carolina basketball.
Stevenson's mother, Nicole Walker Stevenson, played for legendary Tar Heels coach Sylvia Hatchell from 1995-1998. Walker didn't just play for Hatchell, but she helped North Carolina win three ACC Championships ('95, 1997, 1998).
Walker's UNC teams fared well in their ensuing NCAA Tournament runs. The Tar Heels made the Sweet 16 in both 1995 and 1997, then ran to the Elite Eight in 1998.
Jarin referenced his mom after Alabama's big victory over North Carolina during the ACC-SEC Challenge in December, saying "I've been to quite a bit of their (UNC) games. My mom (Nicole Walker Stevenson) played here too."
Jarin's father, Jarod Stevenson, played his college ball at Richmond before a largely 20-plus-year international career.
Cheering for your favorite childhood team brings one level of excitement, but playing for your favorite childhood team has to be surreal. Stevenson has a golden chance to turn the Tar Heels back into a consistent winner.
While we don't know Stevenson's role yet, I have a strong feeling he'll start plenty of games in Carolina Blue – just like mom.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
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