The University of North Carolina acquired a long-awaited frontcourt player on Thursday, announcing Vanderbilt University transfer Ben Allen Rubin's transfer to the Tar Heels.
Rubin was one of the best big men left on the board after opting to leave Vanderbilt and enter the transfer portal just before the May 1st deadline.
The 6-foot-8 forward had a breakout season with the Commodores, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. He played his best in the second half of the season, posting 25 points and 11 rebounds against Florida and 21 points and 10 rebounds against Arkansas.
Rubin averaged 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds over his final nine games, including three double-doubles.
Rubin, who spent one season at Notre Dame before transferring to Vanderbilt, should make an immediate impact in Chapel Hill. Hubert Davis' squad lost longtime frontcourt stalwart Armando Bacot and all-conference wing forward Harrison Ingram, with Jaelin Withers (4.2 PPG) and Jalen Washington (3.9 PPG) as its top returnees up front.
North Carolina has been chasing a long list of big men in the portal in recent weeks, missing Omar Baro, Clifford Omoruyi and Jonas Aidoo. The Tar Heels have also been linked to Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins, who is processing the NBA draft.
The Tar Heels are ranked No. 9 on ESPN's Early Top 25, while Rubin is ranked No. 68 among ESPN's Top 100 Transfers.