Six weeks after North Carolina’s basketball season wrapped up, the Tar Heels’ roster has seen some changes, with a mix of returning players and significant departures. An injury-riddled season led to a 20-13 record, slightly worse than the previous year. UNC’s final game was a loss to South Carolina in the Round of 32 in Columbia, S.C. Despite a tough offense—ranked 11th in the ACC for points per game and 12th in field goal percentage—the team was more effective on defense, coming in at sixth in points allowed and fifth in opposing field goal percentage.
As Courtney Banghart heads into her sixth year as head coach, she’s retaining a number of key players from last season, while also welcoming new talent and dealing with some notable losses. UNC experienced a wave of transfers, with six players exiting via the portal—the most in the Banghart era. At the same time, the team is adding three freshmen and one player from the transfer portal, and will also have four players returning from injury or redshirt years.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s leaving, who’s coming back, and the newcomers:
Who’s Gone?
The Tar Heels will be without Deja Kelly for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Kelly, who ranks eighth in program history for scoring, entered the transfer portal and shared a farewell letter on social media. She led the team in scoring for the past three years, with career averages of 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, three assists, and 1.2 steals in 121 games.
Another key departure is Paulina Paris, who transferred to Arizona after two years at UNC. She missed part of last season due to injury, playing in just 15 games with eight starts, averaging 5.9 points.
Additionally, four frontcourt players are gone: Anya Poole (Clemson), Alexandra Zelaya (UNCW), Teonni Key (Kentucky), and RyLee Grays (Virginia). Poole was a starter for her sophomore and junior years before coming off the bench as a senior. Zelaya, a reserve player, saw more court time late in the season due to UNC’s injury troubles. Key had limited play due to injuries, while Grays only appeared in five games last season.
Who’s Back?
North Carolina’s lineup will feature returning fifth-year seniors Alyssa Ustby and Lexi Donarski. Ustby has played 117 games for the Tar Heels over four years, posting impressive numbers, including the program’s first triple-double and leading the team in rebounds, assists, and steals last season. Donarski, along with other key returnees Maria Gakdeng and Indya Nivar, will play significant roles this coming season.
Reniya Kelly, who started 11 of 21 games last season, is set to return after an injury-shortened freshman year. Kayla McPherson, who played just seven games last season, will also be back, as well as Sydney Barker, who earned a full scholarship last season. Additionally, Ciera Toomey and Laila Hull, who redshirted last season, will join the active roster. Toomey was ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s 2023 rankings, while Hull was named Miss Basketball in Indiana.
Who’s New?
Joining UNC’s squad are freshmen Blanca Thomas, Lanie Grant, and Jordan Zubich. Thomas, ranked No. 32 by ESPN, is a promising center, while Grant (No. 59) and Zubich (No. 69) will bolster the backcourt. UNC also added Grace Townsend, a fifth-year transfer guard from Richmond, who averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds last season.
As the Tar Heels prepare for the upcoming season, they’ll work to define player roles and build team chemistry with the new mix of talent and experience.
