UNC women's basketball team lands first transfer portal commitment

For the second-consecutive season, the UNC's women's basketball team made a run to the Sweet 16. Guard play anchored North Carolina's 2025-26 run, but also a breakout season from forward Nyla Harris.

With Harris recently declaring for the WNBA Draft, the Tar Heels are in big need of a forward for their 2026-27 campaign, which is already drumming up excitement with top 2026 recruit Kate Harpring coming to Chapel Hill.

UNC addressed its need for a solid post player on Friday, landing a commitment from Oklahoma State forward Achol Akot.

The 6'1" junior from Ottawa, Canada averaged a career-high 12.4 points (fourth-most) and 7.2 rebounds (team-high) per game for the Cowgirls, who advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Second Round, beating Princeton before losing to eventual National Champion UCLA.

Akot began her career at UCF, starting 36 of her 57 appearances in Orlando. Akot started all 34 games for Oklahoma State, quickly contributing and anchoring her team's postseason run.

Looking ahead at North Carolina's official, 2026-27 roster on GoHeels.com, post players include 6'2" sophomore Liza Astakhova, 6'4" forwards Ciera Toomey and Noelle Bofia, plus 6'5" center Blanca Thomas. Add Akot into that mix, the Tar Heels now suddenly have a deep rotation.

UNC also has guards Reniya Kelly, Laila Hull, Nyla Brooks, Taissa Queiroz, Jordan Zubich and Sydney Barker on its roster. Expect North Carolina to land a few additional backcourt stars, including Harpring, who isn't yet officially listed on the roster.

Can Akot be a difference-maker in Chapel Hill, one the Tar Heels need to make their first Elite 8 appearance since 2014?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC WBB secures commitment from OK State forward Achol Akot