The University of North Carolina has appointed veteran agent Jim Tanner as its inaugural general manager for basketball.

North Carolina has appointed veteran NBA agent Jim Tanner as the general manager for its men's basketball program, following Coach Hubert Davis's recent remarks that the traditional approach to Carolina basketball is no longer effective. Tanner, who is the president and founder of Tandem Sports & Entertainment, has an extensive portfolio of clients in the NBA, WNBA, and broadcasting sectors. A native of North Carolina, he graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1990 before pursuing a law degree at the University of Chicago. Since establishing Tandem Sports & Entertainment in 2013, Tanner has represented over 70 NBA players, including 17 who are alumni of UNC.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Tanner expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "Both of my children and I are proud graduates of Carolina, and our family owes a great deal to this university. This opportunity is incredibly exciting, and I am truly delighted. The landscape of college basketball has transformed significantly in a short time due to NIL, collectives, and the transfer portal. It is a fiercely competitive and ever-changing environment. I am eager to leverage my 28 years of experience in recruiting and representing players to ensure that UNC remains strategic, adaptable, and innovative in scouting and attracting premier domestic and international talent, all while upholding the principles and values that have long characterized Carolina Basketball."

Veteran college sports analyst Bob Keyser discusses with ABC11's Sean Coffey the significance of the recent hiring by the University of North Carolina's basketball program. During a radio show earlier this month, the fourth-year head coach announced plans to appoint a general manager and enhance the support staff in light of a disappointing season in Chapel Hill. He remarked, "The previous model for Carolina basketball is no longer effective. It is not sustainable. We must expand our approach due to the various factors involved, including NIL, the transfer portal, agents, and international players. This marks the first time UNC has appointed a general manager for its men's basketball team, following the recent hiring of former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as GM for the football program. According to the university, Tanner will assist with roster management and contract negotiations, while also aiming to enhance scouting, analytics, and player development within the program. I am thrilled to welcome Jim to our staff and the UNC family," Davis stated in the announcement made on Tuesday. "Jim's expertise and insights are essential as we navigate contracts, the transfer portal, and the progression of this program. His impressive background and dedication to this university and community make him an invaluable addition to the Carolina men's basketball team."

North Carolina secured a victory against Florida State on Monday night, improving their overall record to 18-11 and 11-6 in the ACC. However, the Tar Heels find themselves in a precarious position as they approach the end of the season, facing the possibility of missing the NCAA tournament for the second time in three years. Davis is under increasing pressure this season, but the inclusion of Tanner is expected to aid in rebuilding the roster for what could be a pivotal year.