Jarin Stevenson decides to stick with UNC basketball, Michael Malone

TL;DR

Jarin Stevenson has decided to remain with the UNC basketball team for his senior season, announcing his choice on social media. His return provides valuable size and continuity for first-year coach Michael Malone.

UNC basketball forward Jarin Stevenson is staying home to play his senior season for the Tar Heels.

Stevenson, a 6-foot-10 forward and Chapel Hill native, announced his decision Monday, April 13, with a social media post. “I’m Backkkkkk,” Stevenson wrote on his Instagram page.

A starter in 25 of 33 games in his first season with the Tar Heels, Stevenson’s return gives first-year coach Michael Malone some roster continuity and valuable positional size because of Stevenson’s versatility. The announcement came shortly after Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, a 6-foot-9 guard, committed to the Tar Heels.

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Jarin Stevenson stats

After playing at Alabama in his first two seasons, including a Final Four run as a freshman in Tuscaloosa, Stevenson returned home for his junior year and became a key role player at UNC. He averaged 8.1 points on 47% shooting, including a 29.5% clip from 3-point range, and 4.4 rebounds across 33 games.

Over the final 10 games, including nine with freshman star Caleb Wilson out because of an injury, Stevenson elevated his play as a scorer and rebounder. In that stretch, Stevenson averaged 10.7 points on 51.4% shooting and 6.4 rebounds per game. In the final three games, Stevenson averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds. He scored a season-high 19 points against Pitt and helped UNC earn a comeback win at Virginia with 17 points in the second half. He also led UNC in the plus-minus stat in eight games, tying Henri Veesaar for top honors.

Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC basketball, Michael Malone getting Jarin Stevenson back

Q&A

Why did Jarin Stevenson choose to stay with UNC basketball?

Jarin Stevenson decided to stay with UNC basketball to provide roster continuity and leverage his versatility as a 6-foot-10 forward.

What impact does Jarin Stevenson's return have on UNC's basketball roster?

Stevenson's return enhances the team's size and depth, which is crucial for first-year coach Michael Malone's strategy.

Who is Neoklis Avdalas and how does he relate to UNC basketball's recent roster changes?

Neoklis Avdalas is a 6-foot-9 guard who recently transferred from Virginia Tech to UNC, joining the team shortly after Stevenson announced his decision to stay.