UNC Targets Top Transfer Aiden Sherrell to Replace Caleb Wilson

New Tar Heels coach Michael Malone is pursuing the Alabama big man to fill a key frontcourt void.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of a college basketball player, with sharp geometric planes in the colors of the UNC Tar Heels and Alabama Crimson Tide uniforms.A top transfer target could help UNC reload its roster and compete in the ACC.Chapel Hill Today

The University of North Carolina and new head coach Michael Malone are reportedly targeting Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell, one of the top-ranked players in the NCAA transfer portal, to replace star forward Caleb Wilson, who is entering the NBA draft after a standout season for the Tar Heels.

Why it matters

Replacing the production and impact of an All-American like Wilson is a major challenge for any program, so landing a highly-touted transfer like Sherrell would be a significant coup for Malone and help UNC maintain their status as a national title contender.

The details

Sherrell, a 6-10 power forward, averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for Alabama last season. He has entered the transfer portal with a 'Do Not Contact' tag, but UNC is among the schools that have reached out, along with Baylor, Providence, Duke, Arkansas and Indiana.

  • Sherrell entered the NCAA transfer portal on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Sherrell is scheduled to meet with Baylor and Providence coaches on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Sherrell is scheduled to meet with the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Aiden Sherrell

A 6-10 power forward who was a top-10 overall player and top-3 power forward in the transfer portal rankings after averaging 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for Alabama last season.

Caleb Wilson

A standout freshman forward for UNC last season who is entering the 2026 NBA Draft after an All-American campaign.

Michael Malone

The newly-hired head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, taking over the program after the departure of longtime coach Roy Williams.

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What’s next

Sherrell is scheduled to meet with coaches from Baylor, Providence, Duke, Arkansas and Indiana in the coming days as he evaluates his transfer options.

The takeaway

Replacing an All-American like Caleb Wilson is a major challenge, but landing a top-ranked transfer like Aiden Sherrell would be a significant boost for new UNC coach Michael Malone as he looks to maintain the Tar Heels' status as a national title contender.