Kentucky Wildcats Connect with UNC Transfer Cade Tyson

Tyson draws attention from several programs, including Iowa, Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, Oklahoma, and BYU. Still, the Wildcats’ renewed interest stands out given their prior recruitment of the North Carolina native during the 2023 transfer cycle.

Kentucky’s Interest: Depth or Opportunity?

Kentucky’s contact with Tyson suggests the program is exploring a range of options as it rounds out its backcourt. Though not seen as a primary target, Tyson could provide veteran depth and perimeter shooting, particularly if other top-tier transfer options don’t materialize.

For Tyson, the upcoming decision may serve as a crucial opportunity to regain momentum in his college career. With one year of eligibility remaining, a strong finish at the right program could help him recapture the trajectory that once made him one of the top mid-major players in the country.

A Difficult Year at North Carolina

Those expectations never materialized in Chapel Hill. Tyson struggled to find consistent minutes in a crowded UNC rotation, averaging just 7.9 minutes per game across 31 appearances. His production dipped to 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, and his three-point shooting dropped to 29.2% a steep decline from his Belmont form.

While the transition to a power conference proved challenging, Tyson’s prior body of work continues to generate interest. His size and shooting ability, when utilized effectively, remain valuable assets in today’s game.

From Belmont Breakout to Power Five Reset

Tyson’s college career began at Belmont, where he quickly emerged as one of the nation’s most efficient scorers at the mid-major level. In his freshman season (2022-23), he was named Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 49% from the field and 41.7% from three.

His sophomore year saw an even greater leap. Tyson averaged 16.2 points and nearly six rebounds per game while knocking down 46.5% of his shots from beyond the arc a mark that ranked among the best in the nation. That success earned him Second-Team All-MVC honors and made him a highly sought-after transfer last offseason.

Kentucky showed interest at the time, but Tyson opted to transfer to North Carolina, returning to his home state with hopes of making an impact on a bigger stage.