Imagine the heartbreak of a hometown hero slipping away, only to return years later with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. That’s the story of Jarin Stevenson, the Chapel Hill native whose journey back to North Carolina has been nothing short of dramatic. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was his initial departure to Alabama a mistake, or was it the necessary detour that led him back home, wiser and more determined? Let’s dive in.
In the summer of 2023, Stevenson’s commitment to Alabama sent shockwaves through the Carolina Blue community. The Seaforth High School phenom, whose mother once graced the courts as a Carolina women’s basketball player, had long been considered a future Tar Heel. Yet, Alabama’s head coach Nate Oats swooped in, convincing Stevenson to reclassify and join the Crimson Tide a year early. It was a move that left UNC fans reeling—and the sting only deepened when Alabama twice defeated Carolina over the next two seasons. The most painful blow? Stevenson’s lockdown defense on UNC’s star guard, R.J. Davis, during a December matchup in the Dean Smith Center. At 6-foot-10, Stevenson towered over the generously listed 6-foot Davis, showcasing the potential that had once seemed destined for Chapel Hill.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite reaching the Final Four as a freshman and contributing to 53 wins across two seasons, Stevenson’s time at Alabama fell short of expectations. He averaged just 5.3 points per game, saw his shooting percentages decline, and started only 22 of 74 games. When he entered the transfer portal, Carolina was never far from his mind. ‘I was definitely thinking about Carolina,’ Stevenson admitted to reporters at the Smith Center, his smile hinting at the relief of a homecoming long overdue.
For UNC head coach Hubert Davis, Stevenson’s return was a second chance to right a wrong. Davis, who had known Stevenson and his family for years, wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away. ‘I’m so thankful Jarin decided to come back here,’ Davis said. ‘He’s a great kid.’ But Stevenson’s return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about potential. In a UNC lineup already stacked with height, including 7-footers Henri Veesaar and Ivan Matlekovic, Stevenson brings something unique: versatility. His ability to guard both big men and perimeter players, coupled with his willingness to shoot threes or drive to the rim, makes him a Swiss Army Knife on the court. ‘Doing a lot of different things,’ Stevenson said, ‘whether it’s rebounding, knocking down the three ball, or playing defense on different positions.’
But here’s the bold question: Can Stevenson thrive in a system that values his midrange game, a skill Alabama’s three-or-layup offense rarely utilized? Stevenson believes so. ‘I just wanna showcase a little more of my ‘middy’ game,’ he said. ‘Just feel more free.’ And with a supportive community—including his parents, who are surely thrilled to save on gas—Stevenson seems poised to rediscover the magic that made him a high school standout.
For fans disillusioned by the chaos of the transfer portal, Stevenson’s return offers a refreshing narrative: a local kid coming home to reignite his career and, perhaps, the passion of a fanbase. As he steps onto the Smith Center floor, one thing is clear: Jarin Stevenson is back where he belongs. But will he live up to the hype? Only time will tell. What do you think—is Stevenson’s return a slam dunk for UNC, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments!
