Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Former West Virginia big man James Okonkwo commits to North Carolina in wake of Bob Huggins fallout
By CHARLIE PARENT
West Virginia transfer James Okonkwo has committed to North Carolina over Texas A&M, he announced Thursday.
The 6-foot-9 forward played in 31 games for the Mountanieers last season averaging 2.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and .7 blocks in just 11 minutes per game.
After being in communication with the UNC coaching staff following my decision to enter the transfer portal I have decided to commit to UNC to play for Coach Davis in the 2023-2024 season. Can’t wait to compete for a national championship at Chapel Hill. Let’s go Tar Heels!!💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/TQItKSSOa5
Okonkwo’s decision to transfer comes after legendary West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins resigned last month following a DUI charge where he blew nearly triple the legal limit.
He is one of eight players to transfer out of the program this offseason.
On the other side, the England native becomes the fifth player to transfer into North Carolina, joining former Stanford wing Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan (Notre Dame), Jae’Lyn Withers (Louisville), and Paxson Wojcik (Brown).
Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels will also bring in five-star guard Elliot Cadeau and four-star forward Zayden High in their class of 2023.
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