Longhorns 'Very Much in The Hunt' for UNC Transfer Caleb Love
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns officially received word Thursday that guard Tyrese Hunter will be returning for his junior year next season, which essentially locks in the team's projected starters in the backcourt.
But the pursuit of the best guard talent in college basketball is reportedly hardly coming to a halt for coach Rodney Terry and staff. Per reports Friday from Inside Texas, the Longhorns are "very much in the hunt" for North Carolina Tar Heels transfer guard Caleb Love.
Love, who appeared all set to play for the Michigan Wolverines next season after being committed to the program since April 7, entered the offseason as one of the most sought-after transfers in the country. The Tar Heels failed to make the NCAA Tournament, but Love averaged 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists this year.
However, he now won't be playing in Ann Arbor this fall, as multiple reports stated this his UNC credits did not properly transfer to Michigan, making the 2023 plans of one of college basketball's biggest names come to an end in a way that isn't commonly seen.
The Longhorns are now looking to take advantage by adding Love to the fold. Inside Texas is reporting that the UConn Huskies and Alabama Crimson Tide will also be targeting Love with the Florida Gators in tow as well.
Despite UNC's disappointing campaign this past season, it's understandable to see why Love is a target for programs focused on winning a championship. Averaging 18.8 points per game, Love embodied what it meant to be clutch in the biggest moments during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, as he led the No. 8 Tar Heels all the way to the National Championship, where they were one-half away from winning it all.
While that UNC team felt as balanced as they come, Love got them there behind timely shooting, gutsy performances and a will to win that felt unmatched from any other player in the tournament. That March Madness run put him on the map, and he's now looking to get back to that point while being the face of his new team.
Now, all signs point to the Longhorns having an interest in the former Tar Heel, which means there has to be at least some mutual feelings shared by Love, and perhaps more.
And should Love indeed commit to Texas, the Horns might just get the best backcourt trio in the country, and be well on their way to challenging for yet another Big 12 Tournament title - and maybe, even a Final Four.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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