Honestly, the UNC basketball transfer portal news cycle moves faster than a RJ Davis fast break these days. One minute you're looking at high school tape, and the next, a 6-foot-6 bucket-getter from the Summit League is the name on everyone’s lips in Chapel Hill. Enter Treysen Eaglestaff.
If you haven’t heard the name yet, you’ve probably been sleeping on one of the most explosive shooters in mid-major basketball. Eaglestaff spent three seasons tearing it up for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks before deciding to test the waters of the high-major world. While he eventually landed in the Big 12 with West Virginia, the buzz around him and North Carolina was real. And frankly, it’s easy to see why Hubert Davis would be interested in a kid who can drop 50 on a random Tuesday.
Who is Treysen Eaglestaff and Why the Hype?
Treysen Eaglestaff isn't just another name in the portal. He's a Bismarck, North Dakota native who basically rewrote the record books in his home state before taking his talents to UND. He’s got that "pro range" where he crosses half-court and you start thinking, yeah, he might let that fly.
His junior season at North Dakota was nothing short of a highlight reel. He averaged 18.9 points per game, but the stats don't tell the whole story. You've gotta look at the "boom" games. We're talking about a guy who dropped 51 points against South Dakota State in the conference tournament. Earlier that same season, he hung 40 points on Alabama. Yes, that Alabama—the Nate Oats-led, Final Four-contending Alabama.
When a kid from the Summit League drops 40 on a top-10 SEC team, the UNC basketball transfer portal radar starts pinging immediately. Carolina fans have seen this movie before. They love a wing who can stretch the floor and create his own shot when the offense bogs down. Eaglestaff fits that mold to a T.
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The Transfer Portal Rollercoaster: From UND to WVU
The journey for Eaglestaff in the 2025 cycle was kind of a wild ride. He hit the portal in March and was instantly one of the "hottest commodities" on the market. Initially, he committed to South Carolina. Most people thought, okay, he's going to the SEC to replace some of that scoring punch. But then, just two weeks later, he de-committed.
That’s when the rumors really heated up. When a shooter of that caliber is back on the market, blue bloods start calling. There was plenty of speculation about whether North Carolina would make a hard push to bring him to the ACC. Ultimately, Eaglestaff chose Ross Hodge and West Virginia, but his name remains a "what if" for many Tar Heel fans who wanted more size and shooting in the backcourt.
Why He Fits the North Carolina System
Hubert Davis has been pretty vocal about what he wants: shooters. He wants space. He wants guys who can play the "4" and stretch the floor or guards who can’t be left alone for a split second.
- Size: At 6-foot-6, Eaglestaff provides the length that UNC often lacks at the guard/wing spot.
- Volume: He’s not afraid to take 10+ threes a game. In the modern game, that gravity is worth its weight in gold.
- Shot Creation: Unlike some "catch-and-shoot" specialists, Eaglestaff can get his own. He has a nasty step-back and isn't afraid of contact in the lane.
Basically, he’s a taller version of the microwave scorers Carolina has thrived with in the past. Think of the impact a guy like Cormac Ryan had, but with the potential for even higher scoring outbursts.
Looking at the Numbers (2024-25 Season)
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 18.9 |
| 3-Point Percentage | 35.9% |
| 3-Pointers Made | 84 |
| Free Throw % | 79.4% |
| High Game | 51 pts |
Those aren't just "good mid-major" numbers. Those are "I can play anywhere" numbers.
The Reality of the Jump to High-Major Ball
Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One of the biggest questions regarding Eaglestaff—and any UNC basketball transfer portal target—is whether the production translates. In the Big 12 or the ACC, the defenders are faster, taller, and way more physical.
During his early run at West Virginia in late 2025 and early 2026, we saw this play out. His scoring average dipped to around 9-10 ppg. His shooting percentages took a hit. It’s a wake-up call. As WVU coach Ross Hodge noted, the emphasis has to shift toward physicality and "not just jacking" shots.
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But even with the growing pains, the talent is undeniable. He still had a 23-point game against Mississippi Valley State and helped lead the Mountaineers to an upset over Kansas. That "boom" potential is why programs like UNC keep tabs on players like him. You're betting on the talent, even if the consistency takes a year to catch up.
What Most People Get Wrong About Transfer Targets
A lot of fans think that if a guy isn't a 5-star recruit, he can't help a team like Carolina. That's just not how the world works anymore. The UNC basketball transfer portal strategy has shifted toward finding "proven production."
Eaglestaff wasn't a blue-chip prospect out of high school. He was a kid from Bismarck who stayed home and got better every single year. That kind of maturity is exactly what Hubert Davis looks for. You don't have to teach a 21-year-old how to work or how to handle a road environment.
What’s Next for UNC and the Portal?
As we look toward the 2026 season, the Tar Heels are already active. They’ve brought in names like Kyan Evans and Jarin Stevenson to bolster the roster. The goal is always the same: find the right mix of veteran leadership and explosive talent.
If you’re following the UNC basketball transfer portal movement, here’s what you should be doing:
- Watch the "Boom" Scorers: Don't just look at season averages. Look for guys who have big games against high-level competition (like Eaglestaff did against Alabama).
- Size Matters: Pay attention to wings over 6-foot-5. The Tar Heels are clearly prioritizing length in their recruiting.
- Track the De-commitments: As Eaglestaff showed, a "commitment" in April doesn't always mean they'll be there in November. The portal is fluid.
The hunt for the next great Tar Heel shooter never really stops. Whether it’s a kid from North Dakota or a bounce-back from a Power 5 school, the portal is the new lifeblood of college hoops.
Keep an eye on the mid-major conference tournaments this March. That’s where the next Treysen Eaglestaff is currently hiding, waiting to drop 40 and become the next big thing in Chapel Hill rumors.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow Transfer Rankings: Sites like 247Sports and On3 are essential for tracking where players like Eaglestaff rank relative to their peers.
- Set Alerts: Use Google Alerts for "UNC Basketball Transfer Portal" to get real-time updates on visits and commitments.
- Analyze the Fit: Don't just look at points; look at how a player's shooting gravity opens up the floor for returning stars like Elliot Cadeau.