Guard Deja Kelly to become 6th UNC women's player in transfer portal, ESPN reports

By Brian Murphy, WRAL

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North Carolina women's basketball guard Deja Kelly, a three-time All-ACC first-team selection, is entering the transfer portal.

ESPN, citing sources, said that Kelly could return to UNC.

Kelly is the sixth UNC player to enter the transfer portal since the Tar Heels' season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to eventual national champion South Carolina.

But she is, by far, the most important Tar Heel to enter the portal.

The 5-foot-8 Kelly ranks eighth on UNC's all-time scoring list. She averaged a team-high 16.3 points in 2023-24, her third consecutive season leading the team in scoring and averaging more than 16 points per game for coach Courtney Banghart.

She has one year of eligibility remaining.

UNC went 20-13 overall, losing four of their final six games.

Others entering the transfer portal:

Guard Paulina Paris, who was injured on Jan. 14 and missed the rest of her sophomore season, has already committed to Arizona.

Forward Alexandra Zelaya played four seasons with the Tar Heels, averaging 2.1 points and 1.0 rebounds per game in 2023-24. She announced she would transfer for her final season on April 1.

Forward Anya Poole, who played in 116 games over the last four seasons, has entered the transfer portal, according to The Next Hoops. Poole, from Raleigh, averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 2021-22, her best season at UNC. She averaged 2.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in 2023-24.

Guard/forward Teonni Key, who played in 51 games over the last two seasons after redshirting in 2021-22, entered the portal. She averaged 2.7 points per game in 2023-24.

Forward RyLee Grays appeared in five games as a freshman. The Next Hoops, a site dedicated to women's basketball coverage, includes Key and Grays on its list of transfers.