The college basketball season of 2023-24 is barely over a week old, yet significant changes and developments are already underway nationwide. While North Carolina has experienced some departures to the transfer portal, they have been relatively quiet in the early stages of the offseason. With uncertainty looming over the Tar Heels’ roster for next year, Hubert Davis and his team have begun reaching out to various players across the country who are seeking new teams.

One notable development from North Carolina’s perspective is their interest in Jordan Pope, a guard from Oregon State. Standing at 6’2″, the sophomore led the Beavers in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game with a 45% shooting accuracy from the field. Pope also showcased his three-point shooting prowess by making 66 shots from beyond the arc at a 37% success rate, establishing himself as one of the top scorers in the Pac-12.

Pope, who entered the transfer portal on April 2nd, has attracted attention from numerous schools, including high-profile ones like North Carolina.

The decision regarding RJ Davis is expected to trigger a series of moves that will influence the pursuit of these transfer guards. Nonetheless, the departure of Seth Trimble creates an opening in the backcourt, making Jordan Pope a desirable addition to fill that gap.

Initially, much of the focus has been on finding a replacement for Armando Bacot. Consequently, the Tar Heels have been actively exploring options among big men, with less emphasis on guards in recent weeks. However, if RJ Davis opts to leave, North Carolina will require a guard with a scoring mindset, and it appears they are proactively addressing this need.

Jordan Pope brings two years of eligibility with him and is poised to make a significant impact wherever he chooses to continue his collegiate career.