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Michael Malone, UNC lose former four-star recruit to South Florida
TL;DR
Former four-star recruit Zayden High has left North Carolina to join the South Florida Bulls. He struggled during his freshman year at UNC, averaging just 0.8 points per game.
Key points
- Zayden High transfers from UNC to South Florida
- High was a former four-star recruit
- He averaged 0.8 points per game at UNC
Zayden HighNorth Carolina Tar HeelsSouth Florida Bulls
Michael Malone, UNC lose former four-star recruit to South Florida originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In addition to bringing in players who fit the current mold of a particular franchise during the offseason, college basketball programs also lose players who are either seeking a larger role or a bigger payday.
In North Carolina’s case, a former four-star recruit is moving on from Michael Malone's Tar Heels and joining the South Florida Bulls.
“Former Tar Heel forward Zayden High has announced his commitment to South Florida,” InsideCarolina reported on X/Twitter Wednesday.
High was ineffective with North Carolina as a freshman, averaging 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game while shooting 31.6% from the field in 23 contests.
The Tar Heels suspended High for the entire 2024-25 season due to off-court issues, but the San Antonio, Texas native returned for the 2025-26 campaign. Although High’s production as a sophomore was far from serviceable, he certainly had his moments.
The 6-foot-10 forward scored in double figures four times and recorded at least one block on five occasions. For the season, which ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, High contributed 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per contest, shooting 48.1% from the field in 29 games.
Still, as a contributor who was on the outside looking in for most of his tenure with the Tar Heels, it makes sense for him to join South Florida and likely receive an impactful role from the get-go.
More college basketball: Duke reportedly pursuing 19.1 PPG Wisconsin transfer who 'could command as much as $5 million'
Q&A
Why did Zayden High transfer from UNC to South Florida?
Zayden High transferred from UNC to South Florida in search of a larger role after struggling during his freshman season.
What were Zayden High's stats during his freshman year at UNC?
During his freshman year at UNC, Zayden High averaged 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game.
Who is Michael Malone in relation to UNC basketball?
Michael Malone is associated with the UNC basketball program, where Zayden High was a player before transferring to South Florida.
