North Carolina Basketball: Seth Trimble and James Okonkwo enter the portal

James Okonwko (April 5th) and Seth Trimble (April 9th) have entered the transfer portal, completing their stint in a Carolina uniform. The two shared a heartfelt message on their social media accounts.

As you can see, the two expressed great feelings about their time at UNC. Especially after this 2023–2024 campaign that saw the Tar Heels capture an ACC regular-season championship and obtain a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. All before completing the season with a record of 29-8 and a 17-3 conference record, falling to Alabama during the Sweet 16.

Then, of course, beating Duke twice.

Okonkwo and Trimble played their roles very well, providing great minutes off the bench when called upon. Trimble secured his spot as the sixth man for Coach Davis.

Trimble's defense around the perimeter and the ability to harass the other team's best guard were game-changing for the Heels. This was most evident during their second-round matchup against the Michigan State Spartans, grabbing two blocks in that contest and sitting down on their ball-handlers.

It's going to be very hard to replace that kind of defense, but not impossible by any means.

Trimble averaged five points, two rebounds, and one assist during his sophomore season. On top of a much better shooting percentage from the three-point line of 42 percent from his original 17 as a frosh.  

Okonkwo, a high-flyer and aggressive rebounder whenever plugged into the game, gave Coach Davis great minutes off the bench. One notable play was an alley-oop to close out the half from Elliot Cadeau against Boston College on the road.

The transfer from West Virginia accumulated one point, one rebound, and a 57-percent field goal during his lone season in Chapel Hill.

Both of these guys can be starters right away, wherever they end up; it's in their best interest to find those schools that will provide them that opportunity.