College basketball previews highlight roster changes for UNC and Syracuse

Previews for the 2026-27 college basketball season detail roster developments for the University of North Carolina and Syracuse University.

At UNC, the junior class is notably small, consisting of returning player John Holbrook and new addition Alex Samodurov. Samodurov joins the Tar Heels after playing professionally in Greece for Panathinaikos and competing for the Greek national team. He is expected to provide depth at the power forward position, potentially serving as a key reserve for Jarin Stevenson or Sayon Keita.

Syracuse enters the season with a rebuilt frontcourt under Gerry McNamara. The unit features returning sophomore Sadiq White Jr., who averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds last season. The Orange have also added transfers Tasman Goodrick and Francis Folefac from Siena. Additionally, freshman Mark Morano joins the roster following professional experience in Slovenia, recently demonstrating scoring ability in preseason exhibition play.