It’s a Big loss for the Cardinals as star Jae’Lyn Withers sets to leave today…

Positive developments continue for the North Carolina men’s basketball team, as Jae’Lyn Withers has officially announced his return to Chapel Hill for the upcoming year. Withers, who previously played for Louisville and joined UNC last year, will utilize his extra year of eligibility for the Tar Heels in the 2024-25 season.

While not unexpected, as Withers didn’t attract much attention from the NBA, his decision provides clarity after a period of uncertainty following the NCAA Tournament. Withers’ commitment to Hubert Davis and North Carolina was confirmed earlier this week by Jon Rothstein, putting an end to any lingering questions about his future plans.

The 6-foot-9 forward hailing from Charlotte had a modest scoring average of 4.2 points in his debut season with the Tar Heels. Despite a fluctuating stock and role throughout the year, Withers showcased his athleticism towards the season’s end, demonstrating his potential as a significant bench contributor. Despite his low point production, Withers found consistency in his role within the North Carolina rotation, playing a crucial part in the team’s success during ACC play.

Though he may be remembered for a questionable three-pointer in the NCAA Tournament against Alabama, Withers now has the chance to develop into a key role player on the talented North Carolina roster in the upcoming season. It’s likely he’ll retain his role as a “spark plug” off the bench, potentially even becoming the primary option in that role.

With Withers’ decision to return, North Carolina is now left with only three remaining open scholarships.