Jaydon Young has always dreamed of playing for North Carolina.
Growing up a huge Tar Heel fan, he regularly attended “Late Night with Roy” events with his father, brother, cousin, and grandfather. As a kid, he would stay up late watching UNC guards like Kendall Marshall, Joel Berry, and Marcus Paige dominate the ACC and win national titles. His cousin, Coby White, even played a season at UNC before heading to the NBA.
Naturally, UNC was always his dream destination. So when the opportunity came to join the Tar Heels as a scholarship player, Young didn’t think twice — he announced his commitment to Hubert Davis and the Carolina staff on Friday morning.
On Saturday, Young discussed his journey — including leaving Virginia Tech, committing to High Point, and ultimately landing at UNC.
What has the last month been like?
“Stressful,” Young said. While completing his online classes from Virginia Tech back home in Goldsboro, N.C., he and his family weighed offers from other schools. High Point stood out because they offered him a major role — “an alpha dog with the ball” — and staying close to home mattered. NIL opportunities there also made it an easy initial choice.
However, shortly after Young committed, Coach Alan Huss left for Creighton. While Young initially planned to stay after conversations with new High Point coach Flynn Clayman, he noticed the team was suddenly recruiting a lot of guards. Feeling that if he had to fight for minutes, he might as well do it at the highest level, Young reconsidered.
“I’m a competitor — I’ll go against anyone,” he said.
When did UNC first reach out?
About 10 days before his commitment, assistant coach Jeff Lebo contacted Young’s father to gauge interest. Given Young’s lifelong Tar Heel loyalty, he was immediately open to it.
Did you officially decommit from High Point?
No. Young kept things private, avoiding outside noise as he waited for all the pieces to fall into place.
Did other schools show interest?
Yes, around the same time UNC did. Missouri, Kansas, and NC State all reached out indirectly through people close to him to feel out the situation.
How often did you speak with Hubert Davis?
Young spoke with Coach Davis almost every night leading up to his commitment. The interactions left a strong impression — “He felt genuine, like he really had a plan for me,” Young said. Davis emphasized that everything at Carolina would be earned through competition, which aligned with Young’s mentality.
Why did you choose UNC?
Beyond being a lifelong fan, Young said the UNC staff made him feel like a priority. “Everyone wanted me there,” he said. His dad had once told him after attending Late Night with Roy, “The next time we’re here, it’ll be because they’re recruiting you.” Now, Young will be suiting up in the Dean Dome.
Did you and Davis discuss your role?
Not specifically by position — Davis envisions a “positionless” style. He told Young he likes his ability to defend, attack, and make good reads in ball screens. While technically a combo guard, Young could be used all over the court.
What did you learn from your time at Virginia Tech?
Young credited Virginia Tech with significant growth in his game, particularly learning to play off the ball. Though his time there had ups and downs, the coaching staff helped him mature and better understand the game.
How did it feel to commit to UNC?
Young described it as surreal. He didn’t formally announce it over the phone; instead, during a conversation with Davis, he simply said, “If it’s mutual, I’m coming.” The next morning, Davis called him “Tar Heel” — a moment Young said had his whole family beaming.
Were you surprised by the response to your commitment?
Absolutely. Young didn’t expect the social media reaction to be so big. He even heard from Coby White and got a comment from Joel Berry, which he described as “crazy.”
When will you arrive at UNC?
Young will move to Chapel Hill in a few weeks for the first summer session. If everything works out, he hopes to wear No. 3.
What is UNC getting in Jaydon Young?
A fierce competitor, a versatile guard, and a lifelong Tar Heel ready to give everything he has to the program.
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