Hubert Davis, UNC basketball strengthens frontcourt with the inclusion of Vanderbilt transfer.
North Carolina has secured a commitment from Ven-Allen Lubin, a forward from Vanderbilt, enhancing the Tar Heels’ frontcourt following the departures of Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound rising junior announced his decision via social media on Thursday, marking the second transfer portal addition for the Tar Heels this offseason after Belmont sharpshooter Cade Tyson committed on April 28.
Lubin will join graduate student Jae’Lyn Withers and rising junior Jalen Washington as returning frontcourt players for UNC, and is expected to have an immediate impact.
During the previous season, Lubin averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for Vanderbilt, shooting 50% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range. In the last two games of his sophomore year, against Florida and Arkansas, he totaled 46 points, 21 rebounds, and five steals. Lubin, known for his efficiency around the rim, recorded a 72.8% shooting percentage in that area last season, and is capable of creating mismatches on the floor. Additionally, his athleticism and tenacity on the offensive glass make him a versatile and productive player.
Vanderbilt head coach and UNC alum Jerry Stackhouse was terminated in March, prompting Lubin to enter the transfer portal just before the May 1 deadline. Lubin’s recruitment is a significant acquisition for head coach Hubert Davis, who had pursued but failed to recruit numerous big men from the portal, including Oumar Ballo, Clifford Omoruyi, and Jonas Aidoo in recent weeks.
Before his time at Vanderbilt, Lubin played for Notre Dame, averaging 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in the 2022-23 season. He was also selected for the USA U19 National Team, where he played alongside incoming Tar Heel and 5-star recruit Ian Jackson in the FIBA World Cup. In high school, Lubin was ranked as the No. 12 power forward and No. 74 overall prospect in the 2022 class according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
