WVU Transfer James Okonkwo Commits to North Carolina

WVU transfer forward James Okonkwo has committed to North Carolina on Thursday night, per his social media accounts. Okonkwo entered the transfer portal on June 26.

“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 [Hubert] Davis in the 2023-24 season. Can’t wait to compete for a national championship at Chapel Hill. Let’s go Tar Heels,” Okonkwo wrote.

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. Can’t wait to compete for a national championship at Chapel Hill. Let’s go Tar Heels!!💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/TQItKSSOa5

— kingjmo_32 (@kingjmo_32) July 6, 2023

Okonkwo heard from LSU, Mississippi State, Nebraska, New Mexico State, North Carolina, Ohio, Saint Louis, Seton Hall, Texas A&M, UConn and VCU after entering the portal.

“I would like to thank the players, staff and fanbase that have supported me for the last two years at WVU for molding me into the player I am today. As of today I am entering my name into the transfer portal. Thank you for everything and I will always cherish my time at WVU,” Okonkwo wrote.

Okonkwo (6-foot-8) finished up his first full season at WVU, appearing in 31 games for the Mountaineers. Okonkwo averaged 2.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 11 minutes per game. Okonkwo received more playing time by Big 12 play after his breakout game against Texas Tech in Lubbock.

Okonkwo will be overseas this summer training for the U20 Great Britain team. The FIBA U20 Men’s European Championship tournament runs from July 7-16 in North Macedonia.

Okonkwo has two years of eligibility remaining but could eventually be granted a third year after only participating in three games during his freshman season.