Jaydon Young’s commitment to the University of North Carolina’s basketball program has sent ripples through the college basketball world, igniting excitement among Tar Heel fans and analysts alike. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound guard from Goldsboro, North Carolina, announced his decision to join UNC on April 25, 2025, after two seasons at Virginia Tech, flipping his initial commitment to High Point University. This move wasn’t just another transfer portal acquisition; for Young, it was the realization of a lifelong dream to don the Carolina blue and play for the Tar Heels, a program he’s idolized since he was three years old. His journey to Chapel Hill is a story of ambition, resilience, and a burning desire to prove himself on one of college basketball’s biggest stages. With a chip on his shoulder and a versatile skill set, Young is poised to make an impact, even if he’s not projected to start immediately. His commitment is a testament to his belief in his ability to contribute to a storied program, and he’s ready to show the world what he’s capable of achieving.
Young’s basketball journey began in his home state, where he emerged as a standout at Greensboro Day School. A four-year letterwinner under legendary coach Freddy Johnson, the winningest coach in North Carolina high school basketball history, Young racked up accolades that underscored his potential. He was a three-time all-state selection, a four-time all-conference honoree, and a three-time conference player of the year. By his senior year, he had eclipsed 2,000 career points, a remarkable feat that highlighted his scoring prowess. Leading Greensboro Day to a state NCISAA title as a senior, Young showcased his ability to perform under pressure, a trait that caught the attention of major college programs. Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and the eighth-best player in North Carolina according to 247Sports, Young had offers from Clemson, Virginia, Pittsburgh, NC State, and North Carolina A&T. Ultimately, he chose Virginia Tech, a decision that allowed him to stay close to home while competing in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
At Virginia Tech, Young’s two seasons were a mix of growth and challenges. As a freshman, he appeared in 26 games, playing limited minutes but showing promise as a shooter, knocking down 12 three-pointers at a 37.5 percent clip. His sophomore year marked a significant step forward, as he played in all 32 games, starting 10, and averaged 22.4 minutes per game. His stats reflected his expanded role: 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. However, his shooting efficiency was a point of concern, with a 34.7 percent field goal percentage and a 29.6 percent three-point percentage. Despite these struggles, Young’s late-season surge was impossible to ignore. Over the Hokies’ final six games of the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 16.3 points per game, including a 27-point outburst against Miami in just 25 minutes and a 26-point performance in an overtime win against Syracuse. These games showcased his ability to take over when it mattered most, hinting at the potential he could bring to UNC.
Young’s decision to enter the transfer portal was a pivotal moment in his career. Initially, he committed to High Point University, a move that would have kept him in North Carolina but at a mid-major program. However, coaching changes at High Point prompted Young to reevaluate his options, and when UNC came calling, the opportunity was too significant to pass up. For Young, joining the Tar Heels wasn’t just about basketball; it was about fulfilling a childhood dream. “I’ve been a Tar Heel fan since I was three,” Young said in a Q&A with Tar Heel Times. “I’m going to give everything I’ve got.” His commitment to UNC was a surprise to many, as no one had anticipated the Tar Heels targeting him. Yet, the move made sense for a program looking to bolster its guard depth after losing key players like RJ Davis, the second-leading scorer in UNC history, Elliot Cadeau to Michigan, and Ian Jackson to St. John’s.
The Tar Heels’ 2025-26 roster is undergoing a significant overhaul, and Young’s addition addresses a critical need for backcourt depth. With senior guard Seth Trimble and Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans projected as the top guards, Young is likely to serve as a key rotational player, potentially the eighth or ninth man in Hubert Davis’ rotation. While some critics, like those at Sportscasting.com, have questioned whether Young’s addition moves the needle for a program aiming to compete for Final Fours, others see his signing as a strategic move to add a versatile, high-energy player who can provide a spark off the bench. His experience in the ACC, combined with his familiarity with North Carolina’s basketball culture, makes him a natural fit for the Tar Heels. Young’s ability to play both guard positions, coupled with his defensive tenacity and knack for scoring in bursts, gives Davis flexibility in how he deploys him.
Young’s game is defined by his adaptability and drive to win. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he has the size and physicality to compete against ACC guards, and his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or hitting from beyond the arc—makes him a valuable asset. His late-season performance at Virginia Tech suggests he’s capable of stepping up in big moments, a quality that will serve him well in UNC’s high-pressure environment. However, his shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range, will need to improve to maximize his impact. At UNC, where he’s likely to take fewer shots and benefit from better spacing and playmaking, there’s optimism that his percentages could rebound to his freshman-year levels or beyond.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Young brings a unique intangibles to the Tar Heels. As a North Carolina native, he carries the pride of representing his home state and a program with a rich tradition of local talent. Over the past decade, UNC has relied on North Carolinians like Theo Pinson, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, and Luke Maye, who were instrumental in the 2017 national championship. Young’s connection to the state and his lifelong fandom give him a personal stake in the program’s success. His work ethic and passion, as noted by fans on the Tar Heel Illustrated forums, make him the kind of player who will “bust his arse” in practice and embrace the team-first mentality that defines UNC basketball. One fan remarked, “You want a kid with passion like that on your bench… he wants team success over individual accolades.”
For Young, joining UNC is about more than just playing time—it’s about proving he belongs at the highest level. Critics have pointed to his modest stats at Virginia Tech and questioned whether he can elevate a program with national championship aspirations. Yet, Young’s late-season performances and his high school pedigree suggest he has untapped potential. His decision to choose UNC over other options reflects his confidence in his ability to compete in one of college basketball’s most demanding environments. As he told Tar Heel Times, “You’re getting a competitor.” Young’s hunger to succeed, combined with his familiarity with the ACC and his versatility, positions him to carve out a meaningful role.
The 2025-26 season will be a proving ground for Young. With a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Kansas, Michigan State, and Ohio State, he’ll have ample opportunities to showcase his skills. Whether he’s draining a clutch three, locking down an opponent’s top guard, or igniting the crowd with a highlight-reel play, Young is ready to make his mark. His commitment to UNC is a homecoming, a chance to live out his dream, and a bold statement that he’s ready to prove doubters wrong. As the Tar Heels aim to reclaim their place among college basketball’s elite, Jaydon Young’s journey from Goldsboro to Chapel Hill is one to watch. His explosive potential and unrelenting drive could make him a fan favorite and a key piece in UNC’s quest for greatness.
