Story by
UNC basketball 2025-26 player preview: Zayden High
- Story by
- UNC basketball 2025-26 player preview: Zayden High
The North Carolina Tar Heels lacked height across their basketball roster last season. Jalen Washington and James Brown were the two tallest players, each reaching 6'10", but neither played major roles.
Knowing UNC needed to address this weakness, head coach Hubert Davis made height a point of emphasis in his offseason recruiting. Not only did North Carolina secure a commitment from Top-10 class of 2025 recruit Caleb Wilson (6'10"), but also transfer portal commitments from 7-footers Henri Veesaar and Ivan Matlekovic, plus 6'11" Jarin Stevenson.
Advertisement
The Tar Heels will also return Zayden High , a 6'10" power forward/center, to their 2025-2026 roster. High was a student last year at UNC, but allegations against High kicked him off the roster.
High didn't play much during his 2023-2024 campaign in Chapel Hill, but fans might recognize him as that team's hype man. When watching highlight videos on social media, particularly after North Carolina swept Duke and returned to Franklin Street, High always carried the boom box and had an eye for the camera.
As Hubert discovers the post rotation that works best for him, High's role likely changes. Expect to see High early in the season, particularly against lesser competition in non-conference play, but less when ACC games roll around.
It's great to see High back in Carolina Blue – and I'm sure he missed playing basketball. If High wants to stay on the 2025-2026 roster, though, he'll need to stay out of trouble.
Advertisement
Zayden High Bio
Jan 27, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tarheels forward Zayden High (1) reacts to a dunk during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 230 pounds
Number: 1
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
High School: AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.)
2023-2024 review
Mar 28, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Zayden High (1) and forward Jalen Washington (13) react on the bench in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
High missed all of UNC's 2024-2025 campaign, due to allegations of questionable behavior off the court. During the Tar Heels' 2023-2024 campaign, though, High played in a limited role off the bench.
High averaged 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds and 4.5 minutes per game during 2023-2024, making just 31.6% of his field goal attempts and 66.7% of his free throws.
Projected role for 2025-2026
Nov 22, 2023; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Zayden High (1) celebrates with teammates during the second half against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
High will be in a reserve rotation at center with James Brown, plus he'll see minutes at power forward with Wilson and Stevenson.
Advertisement
If High were on last year's team, he'd be playing plenty more. Due to North Carolina's deep post rotation – and High's year away from collegiate basketball – High likely has a limited role.
Zayden High Scouting Report
The scouting report for Zayden High, via Rivals national recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw:
" Zayden High has a great frame, projectable. He has good length and is a good athlete. His jump shot and touch are very intriguing. He is confident in pick and pop situations and is getting better with the one and two dribble pull-ups. While you want to see High operate more from the mid-post and low-block, he is an active area rebounder. He cleans things up well on the defensive glass. High is a late bloomer, however, someone who has toughness and skill to build on. "
Advertisement
Zayden High bold prediction
Jan 10, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Zayden High (1) and the bench react during the second half against North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
High will develop a 3-point shot, giving UNC another stretch-four option off the bench. You won't see High play many meaningful minutes, but when the Tar Heels need a couple quick points, Hubert will insert High in the post.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Zayden High season preview
