UNC hires longtime NBA agent Tanner as basketball GM

Source: Peyton Williams / Getty

North Carolina has hired NBA agent Jim Tanner as its men’s basketball executive director and general manager to work with head coach Hubert Davis on modernizing the program’s infrastructure, including recruiting and name, image, and likeness efforts.

Tanner, a UNC graduate with extensive sports management experience, will also be responsible for hiring new scouting and analytics staff.

The move comes after UNC’s recent struggles and Davis’ acknowledgment of the need for a general manager to handle the evolving college basketball landscape.

Tanner’s appointment aims to enhance UNC’s recruiting efforts and roster-building as the team fights for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

“The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically in a short period of time with NIL, collectives, and the transfer portal,” Tanner said in a released statement. “It’s a highly competitive and constantly evolving environment.

“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.”