# Shocking Moment: UNC Lands Commitment from Virginia Tech Guard Jaydon Young
In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have secured a commitment from Virginia Tech guard Jaydon Young. The announcement, made on April 25, 2025, caught many by surprise, as Young had initially signaled intentions to transfer elsewhere before flipping to his childhood dream school. This move not only bolsters UNC’s backcourt depth but also adds a layer of intrigue to the ACC landscape, where rivalries run deep and transfers can shift power dynamics overnight.
Young, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound junior guard from Goldsboro, North Carolina, brings a mix of scoring prowess and ACC experience to Chapel Hill.<grok:render card_id=”5551ec” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, marked by perseverance, regional ties, and a deep-rooted passion for Tar Heel basketball. Growing up in the heart of North Carolina, Young idolized UNC legends like Marcus Paige, Harrison Barnes, and Joel Berry. “I’ve been a Tar Heel fan since I was 3,” Young shared in a post-commitment interview, emphasizing his lifelong connection to the program.<grok:render card_id=”3a4167″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> This commitment isn’t just a roster addition—it’s the fulfillment of a personal dream that seemed elusive until recently.
### From High School Star to Hokie: Young’s Early Career
Jaydon Young’s basketball roots trace back to Greensboro Day School in North Carolina, where he emerged as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023.<grok:render card_id=”7789c9″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Ranked modestly by recruiting services, he drew interest from several regional programs, including Virginia, Wake Forest, Appalachian State, Elon, Old Dominion, and Texas A&M. Ultimately, he chose Virginia Tech, committing to the Hokies under head coach Mike Young (no relation). UNC had shown early interest during Roy Williams’ tenure but backed off after his retirement, leaving Jaydon to forge his path in Blacksburg.
As a freshman in the 2023-24 season, Young appeared in 26 games for Virginia Tech, earning All-ACC Academic Team honors.<grok:render card_id=”6b6515″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His role was limited, averaging just over 8 minutes per game, but he flashed potential with efficient shooting outings, including a season-high nine points on 3-for-4 shooting. The Hokies finished the year with a 19-15 record, providing Young with valuable exposure to high-level competition.
It was in his sophomore year, however, that Young truly broke out. Playing in 32 games and starting 10, he averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest.<grok:render card_id=”0b4ab3″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His shooting splits were 34.7% from the field, 29.6% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 81.6% from the free-throw line.<grok:render card_id=”78bb4c” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Young drained 45 three-pointers over the season, showcasing his range and willingness to pull up from deep. His performance peaked late in the year, averaging 16.3 points over the final six ACC games. Standout efforts included a career-high 27 points against Miami on February 22, 2025—complete with five three-pointers—and 26 points against Syracuse.<grok:render card_id=”42bcb9″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Even against UNC on March 4, 2025, he contributed 12 points in a losing effort, giving him a taste of what it might be like to face the Tar Heels as an opponent.
Analysts describe Young as a “volume shooter” with explosive scoring ability when he finds his rhythm.<grok:render card_id=”2333b6″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> VTScoop’s Chris Arvin noted, “Jaydon has a deep range and his preference was pulling up from three, either off screens or off the dribble, with over half of his shot attempts coming from behind the arc.” However, consistency has been a challenge; when shots aren’t falling, his selection can disrupt team flow. Defensively, he’s solid on the perimeter but not elite, relying more on his size and athleticism than lockdown skills.<grok:render card_id=”3fed83″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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### The Transfer Portal Twist: A Shocking Flip to UNC
Young’s entry into the transfer portal came amid Virginia Tech’s disappointing 13-19 season in 2024-25. Initially, he committed to High Point University, a smaller program closer to home, where he expected to take on a larger role. But when High Point’s coach departed unexpectedly, Young reopened his recruitment, creating an opening for UNC to swoop in.<grok:render card_id=”65ec31″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> This flip was the shocking element—few saw UNC as a frontrunner until the eleventh hour. Social media buzzed with reactions, from Tar Heel fans celebrating the homecoming to Hokie supporters lamenting the loss.<grok:render card_id=”3d93fa” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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For Young, the decision was deeply personal. “I’m going to give everything I’ve got,” he vowed upon committing.<grok:render card_id=”8d7f06″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Growing up in Goldsboro, he attended UNC games and dreamed of donning the Carolina blue jersey. His first encounter with UNC as a player—while still at Virginia Tech—left a lasting impression. “I remember the emotions vividly,” Young recalled of the March 11, 2025, matchup in Charlotte.<grok:render card_id=”ef0e87″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Now, he’s living that dream, transitioning from rival to recruit.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis played a pivotal role in sealing the deal. Young praised Davis as “a people’s person, a man of his word,” highlighting the coach’s emphasis on relationships and personal growth.<grok:render card_id=”a9ca19″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Davis, known for his player development, saw Young as a fit for a roster needing backcourt versatility after losing key pieces.
### Impact on the Tar Heels: Depth, Experience, and Potential
This marks UNC’s fifth transfer addition in the 2025 offseason, joining a class aimed at rebuilding after a transitional year.<grok:render card_id=”0fe3c6″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> With Seth Trimble returning and freshmen guards like Isaiah Denis and Caleb Wilson incoming, Young’s role is up for debate.<grok:render card_id=”685dc6″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> He’s unlikely to handle primary point guard duties but could compete for minutes at the two or three positions, especially following Drake Powell’s NBA Draft declaration. His size allows flexibility—he can guard multiple positions and provide scoring off the bench.
Young’s ACC pedigree is a boon for a UNC team looking to contend. His late-season surge suggests untapped potential; if he improves efficiency (particularly from three), he could become a key contributor. Off the court, he’s already stepping into a leadership role, mentoring younger teammates on pushing through fatigue and maintaining composure.<grok:render card_id=”b3b596″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> “Talent is not the issue for Jaydon,” Arvin added, “but consistency will be the key.”<grok:render card_id=”537130″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Critics question whether Young’s shooting percentages will translate to a more competitive environment, but his free-throw accuracy hints at solid mechanics. In a program like UNC, with elite coaching and resources, he has the tools to refine his game. Fans are optimistic, viewing this as a low-risk, high-reward addition that injects home-state pride into the roster.
### Looking Ahead: A Dream Realized and Challenges to Conquer
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Young is focused on honoring his roots while proving his worth. “I expect to continue making shots and aims to build further,” he said, reflecting on his strong finish at Virginia Tech.<grok:render card_id=”b4e9e2″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> For UNC, this commitment underscores Davis’s recruiting savvy, turning a portal surprise into a narrative of redemption and loyalty.
In the broader context of college basketball, Young’s move highlights the fluid nature of the transfer portal—where dreams can pivot in an instant. What started as a shocking flip could end as a feel-good story, with a North Carolina kid starring in the Smith Center. As Young steps onto the court in Carolina blue, the ACC watches closely, wondering if this under-the-radar guard will become the next Tar Heel hero.
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