Zayden High 2025-26 season in review
We break down the 2025-26 season from UNC basketball center Zayden High.
The 2025-26 UNC basketball season is officially in the books. Today, we are continuing our player review series with reserve center Zayden High. Deep in North Carolina's bench rotation for most of the season, High earned his long-awaited starting opportunity on Valentine's Day.
The Tar Heels hosted Pitt, looking to shake off a loss at Miami (FL) the previous week. Henri Veesaar nor Caleb Wilson were available. In steps High, who last played in UNC's 2023-24 season.
Missing the 2024-25 campaign due to off-court issues, High didn't show any signs of rust against Pitt, looking more like someone with plenty of game experience under his belt. In a 79-65 win over the Panthers, High delivered with career-bests of 15 points and seven rebounds , both in 32 minutes played. Three days later in a bad loss at NC State, High recorded his first career double-double.
High's playing time dwindled upon Veesaar's return , but he still found ways to contribute, playing double-digit minutes in all but the Clemson ACC Tournament rematch. Not known for his free throw shooting abilities, High sank all eight of his attempts in North Carolina's 89-82 win vs. Virginia Tech, with those eight points proving the difference.