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Syracuse Today
By the People, for the People
UNC's Zayden High Provides Spark Off the Bench
High's hustle and energy help Tar Heels defeat Syracuse
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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Zayden High came off the bench for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team and provided a much-needed spark, finishing with 9 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in the Tar Heels' win over Syracuse. High's energetic play, including a key steal and dive on the floor, helped UNC pull away in the game.
Why it matters
High's performance off the bench is a positive sign for the Tar Heels, who have been dealing with injuries to key players like Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson. High's ability to provide energy and production in a reserve role could be crucial as UNC looks to make a strong push down the stretch of the season.
The details
High played 19 minutes off the bench, less than his previous two games, but was still effective with a team-best plus-minus of plus-17. He made several hustle plays, including a steal where he dove on the floor, and even earned a technical foul for standing up for a teammate late in the game. Head coach Hubert Davis praised High's "little, boring, mundane things that make big things happen."
- High played 81 minutes across UNC's last three games, more than he had in the Tar Heels' previous 16 games.
- High averaged less than 2 points per game in those first 16 games, but has bumped his averages to 12.3 points and 9.3 rebounds over the last three.
The players
Zayden High
A sophomore forward for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team who has seen an increased role in recent games due to injuries to other players.
Hubert Davis
The head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team.
Henri Veesaar
A player for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team who returned from a two-game absence in the game against Syracuse.
Caleb Wilson
A player for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team who is nearing a potential return from injury.
What they’re saying
“Those are the types of plays that allow you to win — the little, boring, mundane things that make big things happen.”
— Hubert Davis, Head Coach (on3.com)
“(Zayden) is kind of showing and proving how good he is and how much he can help the whole team.”
— Henri Veesaar, Player (on3.com)
“I know that's something we needed, for someone to be like an energy guy off the bench. Bench production, a backup big, so I'm excited to see where the future takes us.”
— Zayden High, Player (on3.com)
What’s next
With Veesaar back and Caleb Wilson nearing a return, it will be interesting to see how High's role evolves for the Tar Heels going forward.
The takeaway
Zayden High's energetic and productive performance off the bench is a positive sign for the Tar Heels, who have been dealing with injuries. High's ability to provide a spark with his hustle and effort could be crucial for UNC as they look to make a strong push in the final stretch of the season.
