Paulina Paris enters transfer portal
The UNC women’s basketball program sported a slew of returners and brought in a trio of talented transfers this season, with the hopes those moves would be enough to advance it deep in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite making the Big Dance and winning its Round of 64 game against Michigan State, North Carolina suffered yet another early exit – this time to expected title winner South Carolina. The final result was alarming (88-41), considering the Tar Heels played the Gamecocks close in Chapel Hill last November.
One of UNC’s key reserves, Paulina Paris, averaged 5.9 points per game in eight starts. Her season was cut short due to a lower-body injury.
Unfortunately for North Carolina, Paulina Paris announced her decision to enter the transfer portal on Tuesday, March 26.
— Paulina Paris (@paulinaparis23) March 26, 2024
If Deja Kelly any Alyssa Ustby end up declaring for the WNBA draft, Paris’ decision could hurt the Tar Heels. Luckily for UNC, it should return several guards in Laila Hull, Reniya Kelly, Kayla McPherson (injury-shortened season this year), Teonni Key, Sydney Barker and Indya Nivar.
With Lexi Donarski having exhausted her final year of eligibility, it makes you wonder whether Paris would’ve start for North Carolina next year.
Head coach Courtney Banghart will now need to look elsewhere to replace Paris’ production.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
