All Tar Heels

Former UNC Basketball Forward Reveals Next Destination

Tyler Nickel, a one-year UNC basketball player before transferring to Virginia Tech, is now heading to the SEC.
Matt Giles|
UNC basketball forward Jae'Lyn Withers and former Tar Heel Tyler Nickel
UNC basketball forward Jae'Lyn Withers and former Tar Heel Tyler Nickel | Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Two years ago, Tyler Nickel arrived in Chapel Hill as a four-star prospect out of East Rockingham High School (Va.) and ranked No. 84 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite. But the 6-foot-7, 220-pound wing, part of a three-deep recruiting haul for head coach Hubert Davis that year, had a limited role off the bench with the 2022-23 UNC basketball team before deciding to transfer to Virginia Tech last season.

RELATED: UNC Guard Seth Trimble Enters Portal, Pens Goodbye to Tar Heels

At Virginia Tech, Nickel enjoyed a considerable bump in playing time, averaging 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across his 24.3 minutes per game while shooting 39.9 percent beyond the arc for a Hokies squad that finished 19-15 overall and 10-10 in ACC play.

In late March, though, the 20-year-old entered the transfer portal once again. And on Wednesday evening, Nickel told On3's Joe Tipton that he has committed to Vanderbilt. He'll lace them up for new Commodores head coach Mark Byington, who recently arrived in Nashville from James Madison to fill the opening following the program's decision to part ways with UNC basketball great Jerry Stackhouse.

Nickel has two years of eligibility remaining.

As a sophomore at Virginia Tech, Tyler Nickel squared off against the Tar Heels only once, a mid-February 96-81 win by UNC in the Dean E. Smith Center. He scored 14 points in his 28 minutes off the bench in that contest, adding one rebound, one assist, one steal, and three blocks while shooting 5-for-8 from the field, including an impressive 4-for-6 clip from downtown.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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