Heel Tough Blog: Jarin Stevenson to Return for Senior Season

University of North Carolina Athletics

The Neo Avdalas transfer wasn’t the only positive roster news for the 2026-27 season, as shortly after that news broke, Jarin Stevenson announced he is returning to North Carolina for his senior season. Stevenson transferred in from Alabama last off-season and was an integral part of Carolina’s success last season, averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, while shooting 47% from the field, and 29% from behind the arc. He started 25 of 33 games last year, and was one of, if not the best defender on the team, being able to guard virtually every position 2-5 on the floor at times. At 6-10, his defensive versatility will be welcomed by Michael Malone, a defensive-minded head coach. 

Slowly but surely, the Carolina roster is starting to take form for next season. Since Friday night, Jaydon Young and Jarin Stevenson both announced they were returning to the program. Carolina landed top-20 transfer Neo Avdalas, and top-25 recruit, Maximo Adams, reaffirmed his commitment to the UNC program. While there’s still a lot of work to do, we are slowly learning what players fit the Michael Malone profile, and we’re starting to get a feel for what type of team will take the Smith Center floor next season.