Zayden High Seizes the Moment in Shorthanded UNC Win Over Pitt
Every season has its unexpected heroes, and for North Carolina, Saturday belonged to Zayden High.
Coming into the game, High had logged just 28 total minutes since the calendar flipped to January. Averaging a mere 5.8 minutes per contest, he’s been more of a bench presence than a rotation regular.
But with frontcourt depth depleted-Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar, and James Brown all sidelined-UNC needed someone to step up. High didn’t just answer the call.
He made a statement.
In 32 high-leverage minutes, the freshman forward delivered a career-best performance: 15 points, seven rebounds, and the kind of two-way presence that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but absolutely impacts the outcome. He was efficient, composed, and-most importantly-ready.
Shorthanded, But Not Short on Fight
Yes, Pittsburgh is having a down year. But don’t let that distract from what UNC pulled off in Chapel Hill.
Missing their two top scorers and rebounders, the Tar Heels could’ve easily stumbled. Instead, they leaned into their depth, trusted their system, and found contributions across the board.
Four players hit double figures. Seth Trimble led the charge with 19 points, showing off his ability to create off the dribble and finish through contact.
Jarin Stevenson matched him with 19 of his own, shooting a blistering 6-of-7 from the field in what marked a season-high scoring output for the junior big. Stevenson’s touch around the rim and confidence in the mid-range gave UNC a steady interior scoring option.
Luka Bogavac added 15 points, establishing himself early and giving the Tar Heels a spark when they needed it. But the story of the afternoon was High-efficient on offense, active on the glass, and steady on defense.
He didn’t just fill a role. He stabilized a position that’s been in flux all season.
Next Man Up, and Then Some
There’s no stat for “readiness,” but High showed what it looks like. Credit the UNC coaching staff for keeping their bench engaged and prepared.
When injuries hit, the Tar Heels didn’t panic. They pivoted.
This kind of depth development is exactly what separates good teams from great ones come March. UNC has been searching all year for a reliable backup big, and while one game doesn’t answer every question, High’s performance gives the staff something real to work with. It also gives High something even more important: confidence.
With win No. 20 now in the books, the Tar Heels turn their focus to a Tuesday night trip to Raleigh to face NC State. Whether Veesaar is ready to return or not, the “next man up” mentality needs to stay locked in. Saturday showed that this team has more than just stars-they have players who are ready when their number is called.
And on Saturday, Zayden High answered with authority.