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UNC WBB starter declares for 2026 WNBA Draft
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- UNC WBB starter declares for 2026 WNBA Draft
The UNC women's basketball team will, once again, have a new look for its 2026-27 season. North Carolina will return head coach Courtney Banghart – and likely most of her staff – but a few players will search for new homes elsewhere.
Previously, Tar Heels point guard Lanie Grant entered her name in the transfer portal. On Monday, another Tar Heel announced she won't be returning in the fall.
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Nyla Harris , who averaged career-bests of 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and one steal per game during her lone season at UNC, declared for the WNBA Draft.
Harris has all the tools to be successful as a pro: strong shooting (57.6 percent on field goals), good free throw production (78.7%) and versatility. At 6'2", Harris can play a variety of positions in the WNBA, though expect her primarily as a wing.
There are now 15 teams in the WNBA, with three rounds of the Draft. Harris has a good chance to land somewhere within 45 picks, but she can also sign a free agent deal.
North Carolina had a glaring need for post players ahead of its 2025-26 campaign, particularly with Alyssa Ustby and Maria Gakdeng graduating. Harris provided that, leading the Tar Heels in points and assists per game.
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With Harris moving onto her next chapter, who will UNC replace her with? Ciera Toomey and Blanca Thomas are poised for more minutes, while North Carolina also needs to be active in the transfer portal.
If Harris had an extra season of eligibility, there's a good chance she dons the Carolina Blue one more season. Now, Harris will chase her childhood dreams.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC WBB forward Nyla Harris declares for WNBA Draft
