Tanner officially joined the UNC basketball program in February, with just three games left in the 2024-25 regular season. His hiring was a strategic move to help UNC adapt to the rapidly evolving world of college basketball — particularly with the transfer portal set to open two months later. The Tar Heels anticipated significant roster turnover, which has since played out with five players transferring out and five newcomers arriving.
Since the end of the season, Elliot Cadeau, Ian Jackson, Jalen Washington, Ven-Allen Lubin, and Cade Tyson have all entered the portal. Meanwhile, head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels have rebuilt by adding Henri Veesaar (Arizona), Jonathan Powell (West Virginia), Kyan Evans (Colorado State), Jarin Stevenson (Alabama), and Jaydon Young (Virginia Tech).
On UNC’s Carolina Insider podcast this week, Cunningham discussed the team’s fluctuating success in recent seasons and stressed how Tanner’s role as general manager will be critical in achieving more consistent roster building and overall stability.
“Our tradition at Carolina has always been built on identifying young high school talent, developing that talent, and sustaining a consistent program over many years,” Cunningham said. “The coaching staff, the style of play, even the physical profile of players have remained steady.”
“But today’s college basketball world is different,” he continued, pointing to the impact of the transfer portal, NIL opportunities, one-and-done players, and the NBA Draft. “The general manager position helps us evaluate the current college landscape, identify players who fit our system, navigate NIL, and manage the upcoming revenue-sharing era starting July 1.”
Cunningham emphasized that while UNC has had successes in the portal, it has also experienced misses. He believes that a dedicated general manager will allow the coaching staff to focus more on developing players and recruiting while improving retention and portal consistency.
Jim Tanner is well-known in the basketball community, having represented numerous former Tar Heel stars — including Marvin Williams, Sean May, Tyler Hansbrough, Justin Jackson, and Raymond Felton — through his agency, Tandem. A 1990 UNC graduate and Morehead-Cain Scholar, Tanner brings a deep understanding of the program’s values.
“He knows Carolina as a student and has stayed connected to the school,” Cunningham said. “He’s worked with basketball players across the country and brings an outstanding background. We couldn’t have found a better fit for the GM role.”
In addition to the portal movement, UNC also saw veterans RJ Davis, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Ty Claude leave due to eligibility expiration, while Drake Powell declared for the NBA Draft. Returning players like Seth Trimble and James Brown, along with incoming freshmen Caleb Wilson, Derek Dixon, and Isaiah Denis, will help shape the 2025-26 roster.
UNC extended Hubert Davis’ contract with a five-year deal in December. Davis has guided the Tar Heels to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his four seasons as head coach, achieving seeds of No. 1, No. 8, and No. 11, and holding an overall record of 101-45.
