Jarin Stevenson, a native son of Chapel Hill, is returning home to the University of North Carolina (UNC) after a tumultuous two-year stint at the University of Alabama. Stevenson's decision to leave Alabama and return to UNC is a significant development in college basketball, as it showcases the potential for players to seek new opportunities and the impact of a fresh start on a player's career.
The story begins with Stevenson's initial commitment to Alabama in the summer of 2023, a move that shocked many in the Carolina Blue community. As a Seaforth High School superstar and son of a former Carolina women's basketball player, Stevenson had been heavily recruited by UNC and was considered a future Tar Heel. However, head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide convinced him to reclassify, effectively skipping a year of high school and arriving in Tuscaloosa a year early.
Stevenson's time at Alabama was not without success. He helped the team reach the Final Four as a freshman and accumulated 53 wins across two seasons. However, his performance on the court did not meet expectations. Stevenson averaged only five points per game and saw year-to-year drops in his three-point and free throw shooting percentages. He started in just 22 of Alabama's 74 total games played.
When Stevenson entered the transfer portal that summer, he had a specific school in mind for his next stop. In an interview at the Smith Center, he revealed his desire to return to UNC, a decision that was not without its challenges.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who had initially lost out on Stevenson, was determined to secure his services this time. Davis, who has known Stevenson and his family for a long time, was thrilled with the decision. Stevenson's return to Chapel Hill adds a local touch to a roster that already includes players from diverse backgrounds, such as Estonia, Montenegro, and Kansas City.
Stevenson's versatility is a key factor in his success. He possesses a unique blend of defensive skills, allowing him to guard big men in the paint and chase shifty guards on the perimeter. On the offensive end, he is equally adept at shooting three-pointers and powering his way to the rim. Stevenson describes his game as a Swiss Army Knife, highlighting his ability to do a lot of different things on the court, from rebounding to knocking down three-pointers and driving to playing defense on different positions.
One of Stevenson's most productive games with Alabama came against Clemson in the Elite Eight, where he scored 19 points on 5-8 three-point shooting in 25 minutes off the bench. This performance showcased his ability to shoot the three well, as he finished 4-5 from downtown and scored a career-high 22 points in a 103-80 win at Texas. Of his 312 total field goal attempts across two years with the Crimson Tide, 202 were threes, resulting in a three-point percentage of 31.2%.
Despite his success, Stevenson's time at Alabama was not without challenges. Coach Oats' unique offensive style of basketball, which focuses on three-pointers, layups, and dunks, limited Stevenson's midrange jumper, one of his strengths. Now in a new program and being coached by a new staff, Stevenson believes he is in the right environment to flourish and showcase his full potential.
Stevenson's return to UNC is a significant development for the program and the fans. His presence on the Smith Center floor may be enough to draw interest from those who are losing interest in college basketball amid the transfer portal era. As a Chapel Hill kid, Stevenson's return home adds a layer of familiarity and excitement to the team, and his parents will no doubt be saving a lot of gas money on their trips to Chapel Hill.
In conclusion, Jarin Stevenson's decision to leave Alabama and return to UNC is a testament to the potential for players to seek new opportunities and the impact of a fresh start on a player's career. His versatility, defensive skills, and offensive prowess make him a valuable addition to the Tar Heels, and his return home is a significant development in college basketball.
