Zayden High Steps Up in First Start for UNC

Backup center posts career-high 15 points and 7 rebounds to help Tar Heels defeat Pittsburgh

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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With North Carolina's frontcourt depleted due to injuries, sophomore center Zayden High seized the opportunity to make his first career start against Pittsburgh. High responded with a career-high 15 points and 7 rebounds, providing steady interior play to help the Tar Heels cruise to a 79-65 victory over the Panthers.

Why it matters

High's performance was a testament to his perseverance and the 'next man up' mentality instilled by head coach Hubert Davis. After sitting out last season and facing an uncertain future, High stepped up when his team needed him most, solidifying his value to the program and potentially earning an expanded role in the weeks ahead.

The details

High, who had logged just 32 total minutes over UNC's previous 12 games, matched that figure against Pitt alone. He opened the scoring with a spin move and push shot, and went on to shoot 7-for-11 from the floor, repeatedly carving out space in the post. High also contributed on the defensive end, though he did allow Pitt's Cameron Corhen to score 23 points.

  • High was informed he would be starting shortly before the game.
  • High matched his total minutes from the previous 12 games in the single game against Pitt.

The players

Zayden High

A sophomore center for the North Carolina Tar Heels who stepped up with a career-high performance in his first career start.

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who challenged his team to have a 'next-man-up' mentality heading into the game against Pitt.

Jarin Stevenson

High's frontcourt partner on the North Carolina Tar Heels, who praised his teammate's performance in filling the void left by injured players.

Caleb Wilson

A North Carolina Tar Heels player who was ruled out for the game against Pitt.

Henri Veesaar

A North Carolina Tar Heels player who was unlikely to play against Pitt due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday I kind of had an idea, and then today (Davis) told me. I was a little nervous, but I was just excited, because I just kept my head down this whole season. Unfortunately, we got Henri and Caleb out, so next man up.”

— Zayden High, North Carolina Tar Heels center (on3.com)

“That's big shoes to fill, in Caleb and Henri. Having the opportunity to play and make different plays like that, Zayden also stepped up big time.”

— Jarin Stevenson, North Carolina Tar Heels frontcourt partner (on3.com)

“You obviously know how good Henri and Caleb are. So, going into the game, I was just trying to match their energy that they bring every game.”

— Zayden High, North Carolina Tar Heels center (on3.com)

“I always tell him that when your number is called, your job and responsibility is to be ready. So the job that he did, defensively, rebounding the basketball, staying out of foul trouble, giving us a post presence, didn't turn the ball over, I'm just really happy for him. So many people stepped up, but Zayden has waited his turn, and he took advantage of it.”

— Hubert Davis, North Carolina Tar Heels head coach (on3.com)

“I'm just thankful for Coach Davis, believing in me still. He brought me back when he didn't have to. So, I mean, I'm very thankful for him, and then my coaches, the coaching staff, I'm thankful for them believing in me, and then my teammates as well.”

— Zayden High, North Carolina Tar Heels center (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

High's performance not only steadied the Tar Heels in Veesaar's absence, but may have supplied the confidence both player and coach will need if his expanded role continues in the weeks ahead, proving the value of a 'next man up' mentality.