Zayden High has undergone a transformation on the court that’s catching everyone’s attention. Earlier in the season, the North Carolina forward was preoccupied with avoiding mistakes, which limited his impact. But that mindset has shifted, and it’s paying dividends for the Tar Heels.
High finally got his chance to shine against Pittsburgh on February 14, stepping up as both center Henri Veesaar and forward Caleb Wilson were sidelined. In his first career start, he delivered 15 points and seven rebounds over 32 minutes. Just three days later, he followed up with 13 points and 10 rebounds against NC State.
Coach Hubert Davis took notice. With Veesaar back in the lineup for the Tar Heels' 77-64 win over Syracuse, High came off the bench as the sixth man, contributing nine points and 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes, and posting a team-best plus-17. His energy and confidence have become invaluable assets to the team.
"My teammates and my coaches are trusting me more," High shared. "I just feel a lot more comfortable on the court."
High’s presence is no longer about just filling minutes; he’s become a catalyst for UNC. His hustle was on full display when he dove for a loose ball in front of the Tar Heel sideline, a play that had the entire bench erupting in applause.
Coach Davis highlighted this effort postgame, emphasizing the importance of those gritty plays that often lead to victory. High understands his role, bringing much-needed energy and setting the tone when he hits the floor.
With Veesaar on a minutes restriction, High's performance has allowed UNC to maintain their competitive edge while adding versatility to their lineup. Veesaar himself acknowledged High’s impact, saying, "He's shown and proved himself how good he is and how much he can help the whole team."
For the first time this season, Davis paired Veesaar and High together on the court, a combination High had been eager to try. "I've been telling him all year I've been wanting to play with him," High said, excited about their complementary skills.
Late in the game, High showed his protective side when Syracuse’s Donnie Freeman committed a hard foul on UNC’s Jarin Stevenson. Despite already having four fouls, High didn’t hesitate to stand up for his teammate, earning a technical foul in the process.
"I didn't like the way he fouled Jarin," High explained. "We were just competing at the end of the day."
High’s teammates aren’t surprised by his recent success. Veesaar and Wilson, who battle with him in practice, have seen his skills firsthand. "He's very annoying to play against in practice," Veesaar admitted, praising High’s patience and touch.
As the Tar Heels aim to finish their ACC schedule strong, High’s emergence could be a pivotal factor in their postseason journey. His growth and enthusiasm are exactly what UNC needs as they look to make a deep run.