### Breaking: UNC Star Jarin Stevenson Requests Trade Amid Playing Time Frustrations
**By Alex Rivera, College Basketball Insider**
*January 6, 2026 – Chapel Hill, NC*
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson has formally requested a trade, citing insufficient playing time as the primary reason for his dissatisfaction. The 6-foot-10 junior, who transferred to UNC from Alabama ahead of the 2025-26 season, has been a key bench contributor for the Tar Heels but feels his role does not match his potential or the promises made during his recruitment. Stevenson, a native of Chapel Hill, has also publicly inquired why his minutes have not increased despite strong performances in limited opportunities, raising questions about team dynamics and coaching decisions under head coach Hubert Davis.
This news comes at a pivotal time for the Tar Heels, who are navigating a competitive ACC season with a record of 10-5 as of early January. Stevenson, once heralded as a versatile “Swiss Army knife” for his ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide energy off the bench, has averaged 24.8 minutes per game through 15 appearances this season. While that’s a step up from his 18.7 minutes during his sophomore year at Alabama, sources close to the player indicate it’s far below what he expected when he chose to return home to play for his childhood favorite team.
“Jarin has been patient, but he’s reached a breaking point,” a source familiar with Stevenson’s camp told this reporter. “He’s putting up solid numbers—6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shooting 44% from the field—but he believes he can be a starter and a double-double threat if given consistent run. The inquiry about his playing time isn’t just rhetoric; he’s genuinely puzzled why, after standout games like his 16-point outburst against SMU, he’s still glued to the bench for stretches.”
Stevenson’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, he grew up idolizing UNC legends like Tyler Hansbrough and Armando Bacot. As a high school phenom at Seaforth High School, Stevenson reclassified to the Class of 2023 and initially committed to Alabama, spurning offers from blue-blood programs including UNC. His freshman year in Tuscaloosa was solid but unspectacular, averaging 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game as the Crimson Tide reached the Final Four. In his sophomore season, he improved slightly to 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds, but felt underutilized in Nate Oats’ fast-paced system.
The decision to transfer back to UNC last offseason was seen as a homecoming triumph. Fans rejoiced at the prospect of a local star bolstering the frontcourt alongside veterans like RJ Davis and newcomers. Coach Hubert Davis praised Stevenson’s versatility during preseason media days, calling him “a player who can change games with his length and shooting.” Early in the season, Stevenson lived up to the hype in spurts. Against East Tennessee State on December 16, he dished out a career-high four assists while adding six points and a block. In a nail-biter win over Ohio State on December 20, he grabbed five rebounds and swiped two steals in 27 minutes, helping UNC escape with a 71-70 victory.
However, inconsistencies in his role have bred frustration. In the Tar Heels’ December 30 win over Florida State, Stevenson played just 14 minutes, scoring four points on inefficient shooting. Even in the loss to SMU on January 3—where he exploded for 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc—his 21 minutes felt like a tease rather than a turning point. Post-game, Stevenson was vocal about the team’s defensive lapses but stopped short of criticizing his own usage. Behind the scenes, though, tensions have simmered.
According to multiple sources, Stevenson’s trade request was submitted through his representatives to UNC’s athletic department on January 5. While college basketball doesn’t operate like the NBA with direct trades, the term “trade” here likely refers to Stevenson entering the transfer portal with the intent of being dealt in a player-for-player or package swap, a rarity but not unheard of in the NIL era where programs negotiate behind closed doors. More commonly, it could mean he’s seeking an immediate release to explore options mid-season, though NCAA rules typically restrict such moves without a waiver.
The inquiry into his playing time stems from a private meeting with Coach Davis after the SMU game. Stevenson reportedly asked point-blank: “Why has my playing time not increased? I’ve shown I can contribute on both ends.” Davis, known for his player-friendly approach, emphasized team balance and the depth of UNC’s roster, which includes All-ACC candidates like Seth Trimble and Luka Bogavac. But Stevenson, who has dealt with minor injuries earlier in the season, feels overlooked in favor of more established players.
This situation highlights broader issues in college hoops, where the transfer portal and NIL deals have empowered athletes like never before. Stevenson, with his NBA upside—scouts project him as a second-round pick in the 2026 draft—has lucrative endorsement opportunities tied to his performance. Insufficient minutes could diminish his stock, prompting this bold move. “Jarin isn’t just thinking about this season; he’s thinking about his future,” the source added. “If UNC can’t give him the platform, someone else will.”
Reaction from the UNC community has been mixed. On social media, some fans defend Davis’s rotations, pointing to the team’s recent three-game winning streak before the SMU setback. “Stevenson’s good, but we have a system that works,” tweeted one prominent Tar Heel booster. Others sympathize with the local product, recalling the fan backlash when he initially chose Alabama. “Bring him home just to bench him? That’s cold,” posted a Chapel Hill resident on a UNC forum.
Teammates have remained diplomatic. In a post-practice interview on January 5, guard RJ Davis said, “Jarin’s a brother to us. We want what’s best for him and the team.” Forward Armando Bacot, now an assistant coach after his playing days, echoed similar sentiments in a radio appearance: “These things happen. Jarin’s talented; he’ll figure it out.”
As for potential destinations if Stevenson departs, speculation is rampant. Duke, UNC’s arch-rival, would be a dramatic but unlikely landing spot given the bad blood. More realistic options include programs like Kansas, where Bill Self covets stretch forwards, or UCLA, which needs frontcourt depth. Back to Alabama? Sources say that’s off the table after a rocky exit.
Coach Davis addressed the rumors briefly in a statement released by UNC athletics: “We value Jarin’s contributions and are committed to our players’ development. Discussions are ongoing, but our focus remains on the upcoming game against Virginia.” The Tar Heels face the Cavaliers on January 10, a matchup that could be Stevenson’s last in powder blue if unresolved.
This saga underscores the evolving landscape of college sports, where loyalty often takes a backseat to opportunity. For Stevenson, a player who took the long road home only to find roadblocks, the request is a gamble. Will it force UNC to increase his role, or propel him elsewhere? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Chapel Hill native is no longer content watching from the sidelines.
The broader implications for UNC are significant. Losing Stevenson mid-season could disrupt chemistry and hurt recruiting, especially for in-state talents who dream of starring for the Heels. Davis, in his fifth year, has built a culture of resilience, guiding UNC to the Sweet 16 last season. But handling this delicately will test his leadership.
Stevenson’s stats tell part of the story: his 22% three-point shooting this year is down from 30.7% last season, perhaps due to inconsistent rhythm. Yet, his defensive metrics—0.6 blocks and 0.7 steals per game—show untapped potential. Analysts like ESPN’s Jay Bilas have praised his upside: “Stevenson’s the type of player who thrives with trust. If UNC doesn’t give it, someone will.”
As the story develops, all eyes are on Chapel Hill. Will Stevenson retract his request, or is this the end of his Tar Heel tenure? For now, the inquiry hangs in the air: why hasn’t his playing time reflected his talent? The answer could reshape UNC’s season—and Stevenson’s career.
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