3 'Panic Mode' Transfer Portal Targets for UNC

The Tar Heels need to be prepared if they do not land their preferred portal targets.

Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks to guard Jamal Murray (27) during a break in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

It has been an underwhelming transfer portal period for the North Carolina Tar Heels, who have only acquired Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas.

In addition to signing Avdalas, the Tar Heels are also pursuing Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris and Utah transfer Terrence Brown. While North Carolina has emerged as a serious contender for both players, there is no guarantee the program will land either player.

Mar 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) brings the ball up court against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

In the event that both players sign elsewhere, the Tar Heels need a backup plan, as the roster has been ravaged by transfer portal departures, including Derek Dixon, Luka Bogavac, Jonathan Powell, and Zayden High. Additionally, five-star recruit Dylan Mingo de-committed from the program, as he is reconsidering his options.

With all of that being said, here are players North Carolina should pivot their attention towards, with the portal closing on April 21.

Malik Mack

Mar 7, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Malik Mack (2) advances the ball against the Providence Friars during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-2, 174-pound guard is one of the most underrated players in the transfer portal and is still available. Last season, Mack averaged 13.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 38.1 percent from the field and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc.

With North Carolina's current backcourt in flux, head coach Michael Malone needs a play-making guard. It's a different style from Brown and Harris, who are both prolific scorers. Obviously, the Tar Heels would prefer to land one of those aforementioned players, but Mack is a terrific consolation prize.

Pop Isaacs

Feb 11, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Despite being a four-year player, Isaacs has one more year of eligibility, as he appeared in only eight games in 2024. The 6-foot-2, 182-pound guard underwhelmed this past season, averaging 9.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range.

The Texas A&M transfer did not live up to the hype, but his efficient shooting remained a constant variable, despite the lackluster scoring output.

Alex Wilkins

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

In his lone season with the Furman Paladins, the freshman guard averaged 17.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from three-point range.

In the first-round loss against the Connecticut Huskies, the 6-foot-5, 174-pound guard recorded 21 points, four assists, and one rebound while shooting 8-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Wilkins is a similar build to Brown, and although he is not as highly regarded as the Utah transfer, he will prove to be a steal for whichever program signs him.