Welcome Back: Freshman Stars and Key Players Return to UNC Men’s Basketball for 2025 Season — Chapel Hill is Buzzing
Excitement is building once again in Chapel Hill as the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball program welcomes back a strong core of freshman talent and key returning players for the 2025 season. With a mix of young stars deciding to stay another year and veteran leaders coming back to finish what they started, the Tar Heels are reloading for another run at ACC and national glory.
After a thrilling 2024 campaign that saw UNC reestablish itself as one of the premier programs in college basketball, many expected a wave of early departures to the NBA. But instead, Tar Heel Nation received a welcome surprise: several standout freshmen and essential contributors have chosen to return to Chapel Hill, emphasizing their belief in Coach Hubert Davis’s vision and a desire to bring a national title back to North Carolina.
Among the most celebrated returnees is guard phenom Jalen Blake, who dazzled fans with his poise, speed, and shot-making ability as a freshman. Blake, who averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 assists, and was a key contributor in late-season tournament play, turned down NBA workouts to return for a sophomore season. “There’s unfinished business here,” Blake said. “We’ve got the pieces, the chemistry, and the fans. I want to win — here, with this team.”
Joining Blake are fellow freshmen forward Tyrese Grant and center Malik Thomas, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance throughout their first year. Grant, a versatile wing, brings elite athleticism and defensive toughness, while Thomas — a 6’11” rim protector — adds serious size and presence in the paint. Their decision to come back gives UNC one of the most talented and experienced sophomore classes in the country.
Veteran leadership is also returning in full force. Junior guard Elijah Green announced he’ll be back for his senior season, bringing leadership, grit, and invaluable big-game experience. Green, known for his lockdown defense and hustle plays, will serve as a mentor to younger players while continuing to anchor UNC’s perimeter attack.
Head Coach Hubert Davis expressed his pride in the returning group. “These young men could’ve gone pro, transferred, or taken a different route — but they chose Chapel Hill again,” Davis said. “They chose family, tradition, and the chance to do something historic. That says everything about their character and our culture.”
Fans across Tar Heel Nation have taken to social media to celebrate the news, with hashtags like #HeelsAreBack, #ReturnToGlory, and #UnfinishedBusiness trending across platforms. The return of these players not only bolsters UNC’s title hopes but also keeps team chemistry and continuity intact — something increasingly rare in the modern transfer-heavy era of college hoops.
With these familiar faces back in baby blue and an exciting recruiting class arriving, including 7-footer Nyk Lewis, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most promising in recent memory.
As always, the lights are on in the Dean Dome, and Tar Heel Nation is ready. Welcome back, boys — Chapel Hill loves having you home.
