When Jim Tanner was appointed the first general manager in UNC basketball history, he emphasized that the Tar Heels would aggressively pursue top-tier talent—whether from the U.S. or abroad—to meet key roster needs.
“I look forward to using my 28 years of experience recruiting and representing players to help position UNC as strategic, adaptive, and innovative in scouting and attracting top domestic and international talent, while staying true to the principles and values that have defined Carolina Basketball over the years,” Tanner said.
In their search for help on the wing, North Carolina has established contact with German prospect Ivan Kharchenkov. The news was first reported by Inside Carolina and Tar Heel Illustrated.
For those unfamiliar with Kharchenkov, here’s a quick profile of the international standout:
Kharchenkov is a 6-foot-6 wing who spent the 2024–2025 season with Bayern Munich, Germany’s top professional basketball club. He also gained valuable EuroLeague experience, playing in what is widely considered the highest level of competition outside the NBA.
Physically imposing at over 220 pounds, Kharchenkov brings strength and versatility to the court. He’s an impactful two-way player—capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending. While his three-point shooting still lacks consistency, he has shown the ability to connect from beyond the arc, and that part of his game has clear room for growth.
If you haven’t seen him play, here’s a snapshot of a recent performance:
🇩🇪 Ivan Kharchenkov for Bayern Munich vs. Göttingen
- 17 points
- 5 rebounds
- 4 steals
- 7-9 FG
- 1-2 3P
- 2-6 FT
- 22 minutes
The 6’6″ wing has quietly put together a strong season in limited minutes, excelling as both a slasher and a spot-up shooter.
With Drake Powell entering the NBA Draft, UNC is casting a wide net to find a suitable replacement on the wing. A player of Kharchenkov’s caliber could be a significant addition, helping fill the void left by Powell’s departure.
Should Kharchenkov opt to pursue college basketball in the United States, expect North Carolina to make a serious push to bring him to Chapel Hill.
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