**He is Back: Former Tar Heel Player Will Shaver Flips Commitment Back to North Carolina**
In a surprising and emotional twist that sent waves through college basketball, former North Carolina player **Will Shaver** has officially **decommitted from the Samford Bulldogs** and **recommitted to the UNC Tar Heels**. The news marks a full-circle moment for the talented forward, who once donned the Carolina blue before transferring out in search of more playing time and a fresh opportunity. Now, after weighing multiple high-profile offers — including strong interest from **Notre Dame**, **Vanderbilt**, and **Virginia Tech** — Shaver has decided that there’s truly no place like home.
Shaver’s return to Chapel Hill comes at a crucial time for head coach **Hubert Davis**, whose program has been under intense scrutiny following a few turbulent seasons. With questions surrounding roster depth, player development, and recruiting consistency, the addition of an experienced, system-familiar player like Shaver could bring both stability and energy to the locker room. The 6-foot-10 big man, known for his strong post presence, rebounding instincts, and improving perimeter touch, offers the kind of versatility UNC needs in its frontcourt rotation.
Sources close to the program describe Shaver’s decision as one driven by “unfinished business.” The Birmingham, Alabama native was part of the Tar Heels’ roster during the early Davis era but never fully established himself in the lineup. After transferring, he rebuilt his confidence and production, emerging as one of the Southern Conference’s most efficient big men last season. His return now feels like a statement — not just for himself, but for the Tar Heel culture of loyalty and redemption.
Fans across Tar Heel Nation have flooded social media with excitement and support, celebrating Shaver’s comeback as a symbol of the program’s enduring pull and brotherhood. Many see it as a positive reflection of the environment Hubert Davis continues to build — one centered on faith, family, and the love of Carolina basketball.
For Shaver, this move represents more than just a basketball decision; it’s a homecoming. Returning to the Dean E. Smith Center, where his college journey began, gives him a chance to rewrite his story and contribute meaningfully to a team hungry to reclaim national relevance.
In his own words, Shaver summed it up perfectly: *“Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel.”* His comeback might just be the spark UNC needs heading into a defi
ning season.
