UNC basketball adds transfer portal commitment from West Virginia forward James Okonkwo

West Virginia transfer James Okonkwo decided not to wait for his official visit — scheduled for later this month — to commit to North Carolina, he announced on his social media Thursday evening. The former Mountaineer is now UNC’s fifth player recruited from the NCAA transfer portal this offseason, and will join the program as a junior.

“After being in communication with the UNC coaching staff following my decision to enter the transfer portal I have decided to commit to UNC to play for Coach Davis in the 2023-2024 season,” Okonkwo said in an Instagram post. “Can’t wait to compete for a national championship at Chapel Hill. Let’s go Tar Heels!!”

The 6-foot-8 forward entered the transfer portal following the sudden resignation of West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins last month.

Okonkwo, though not a high-scoring forward, led his team in blocks, with 22 in just 31 games. He averaged 11 minutes per game, with 2.5 points and 3.5 rebounds last season.

He joins four other forwards on the roster, all of whom stand 6-foot-9 and above. This includes sophomore Jalen Washington, former Louisville forward Jae’Lyn Withers, incoming freshman Zayden High and all-ACC big man Armando Bacot, in his final year of eligibility. With five forwards on the 15-man roster, the new guy on the block adds even more depth for head coach Hubert Davis.

This commitment leaves the Tar Heels with two available scholarships to fill before tipoff in October. Following a 20-13 season and no NCAA Tournament appearance, the five open spots from those entering the transfer portal have now been filled back up.

Okonkwo has been in England, competing for a spot on the Great Britian U20 roster for the Division B European Championships in Macedonia beginning Friday.

He came to the U.S. in 2020 with intentions of becoming a member of the Class of 2023. He reclassified to 2021 and committed to West Virginia at 17 years old. Okonkwo played just three games as a freshman before playing in 31 last season.

Other players who’ve joined the Tar Heels include 6-foot-7 wing Harrison Ingram (Stanford), 6-5 shooting guard Cormac Ryan (Notre Dame), 6-9 forward Jae’Lyn Withers (Louisville) and 6-5 guard Paxson Wojick (Brown).