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Will Shaver is a 6'10, 260-pound forward for the UAB Blazers men's basketball team. Shaver, who is from Birmingham, Alabama, transferred to UAB from the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the Tar Heels' 2022 national championship runner-up team. Shaver was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, where he led Oak Mountain to a state championship in 2021. He has since become a key contributor for the Blazers, grabbing a career-high six rebounds in his debut and providing a unique skill set to the team's front court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Will Shaver |
| Team Number | #25 |
| Position | Forward |
| Class | Sophomore |
| Height | 6' 10" |
| Weight | 260 lbs |
| Birthplace | Birmingham, AL |
| Points | 0.2 |
| Rebounds | 1.1 |
| Assists | 0.1 |
| FG% | 50.0 |
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What You'll Learn
Will Shaver's high school career
Will Shaver, a 6'10" center, attended Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he excelled in basketball. Ranked as a three-star prospect, Shaver was the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama in the 2022 class before enrolling early at the University of North Carolina.
During his high school career, Shaver was a two-time All-State selection, showcasing his talent and consistency. He averaged an impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, demonstrating his dominance on both ends of the court. Shaver's shooting abilities were also notable, as he shot 62% from the floor, 35% from beyond the three-point line, and an impressive 80% from the free-throw line.
Shaver's leadership and skills helped propel his high school team, the Oak Mountain Eagles, to new heights. He led them to a pair of Alabama 7A state semifinal appearances and culminated in a state championship in 2021, played at the prestigious Bartow Arena. Shaver's performance in this championship-winning season solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the state.
Shaver's outstanding high school career caught the attention of top college basketball programs. He initially signed with the University of North Carolina as the No. 111 player nationally and the No. 2 player in Alabama in the 2021 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. However, midway through his senior year of high school, Shaver reclassified to the 2022 class, delaying his entry to the highly competitive world of college basketball.
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Shaver's time at North Carolina
Will Shaver's time at the University of North Carolina was short but impactful. Shaver, a highly-rated high school prospect from Birmingham, Alabama, committed to the Tar Heels in June 2021 and enrolled early in January 2022. He was ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama and a four-star prospect by the On3 Industry Ranking.
During his time at UNC, Shaver appeared in three games as a redshirt freshman during the 2022-23 season before suffering a season-ending broken foot injury. Despite the limited game time, he was a valuable member of the team that reached the national championship game. Shaver's presence and contribution to the team's success cannot be understated, even if it was largely behind the scenes.
Prior to his arrival at UNC, Shaver excelled at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham. He averaged an impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds per game across three seasons, showcasing his consistent excellence. Shaver's high school career also included leading Oak Mountain to a pair of Alabama 7A state semifinal appearances and a state championship title in 2021. He was a two-time All-State selection, demonstrating his recognition across the state.
Shaver's decision to commit to North Carolina was a significant moment in his career. He had initially planned to announce his college decision on his 18th birthday, considering offers from prestigious programs such as Wake Forest, Purdue, Kansas, Virginia Tech, and Iowa. However, after visiting Chapel Hill, he committed to UNC, citing the coaching staff's belief in his potential to contribute as a freshman.
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Shaver's transfer to UAB
Will Shaver, a 6'10" center and forward, transferred to the UAB Blazers from the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2023. Shaver, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, was ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama in the 2022 class before enrolling early at North Carolina in January 2022. He was a member of the Tar Heels team that reached the national championship game, appearing in three games as a redshirt freshman in 2022-23 before missing the remainder of the season with a broken foot.
Shaver entered the transfer portal following the 2022-23 season and initially committed to Belmont before reopening his recruitment. He ultimately transferred to UAB, announcing his commitment on May 11, 2023. UAB men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy expressed excitement about Shaver's addition, highlighting his unique skill set and versatility as a front-court player.
In his high school career at Oak Mountain, Shaver averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, shooting 62% from the floor, 35% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line. He was a two-time All-State selection and led Oak Mountain to a pair of Alabama 7A state semifinal appearances and a 2021 state championship.
During his freshman season at North Carolina, Shaver scored two points against Alabama on November 27, 2022, before being granted a medical redshirt due to an injury. As a UAB Blazer, Shaver grabbed a career-high six rebounds in his debut against Clemson on November 10, 2023, and scored six points and grabbed three rebounds in a win over Montevallo on December 17, 2023.
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The player's career stats
Will Shaver, a forward for the UAB Blazers, has had a promising career in basketball. Shaver, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, attended Oak Mountain High School, where he showcased his talent and was ranked as a three-star prospect. He was also ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama for the 2022 class before enrolling early at the University of North Carolina. During his high school career, he averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 62% from the floor, 35% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line.
Shaver's college career began at the University of North Carolina, where he redshirted during his freshman season (2021-22) while the Tar Heels advanced to the national championship game. In his redshirt freshman season (2022-23), he appeared in three games, scoring two points against Alabama, before his season was cut short due to a broken foot.
Transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for the 2023-24 season, Shaver made an immediate impact. In his UAB debut against Clemson, he grabbed six rebounds. He also contributed six points and three rebounds in a win over Montevallo and added four points and three rebounds in a victory at Tulsa. Shaver's presence in the frontcourt, standing at 6'10", has been a valuable addition to the Blazers.
While Shaver's career is still in its early stages, his performance thus far has been impressive. His career-high six rebounds in his UAB debut and his consistent scoring and rebounding contributions showcase his potential as a key player for the team. Shaver's versatility and unique skill set are expected to make him a vital component of the UAB Blazers' success in the upcoming seasons.
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UAB Blazers' 2023-24 season
The 2023-24 season marks UAB Blazers' inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference. Head coach Andy Kennedy has bolstered his roster with several transfers, including Will Shaver, a 6'10" forward who joined from North Carolina. Shaver was a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama. He adds versatility and a unique skill set to the Blazers' frontcourt.
Shaver made his UAB debut against Clemson on 11/10/23, grabbing six rebounds. He scored his first points for the team in a win over Montevallo on 12/17/23, finishing with six points and three rebounds. Shaver also contributed four points and three rebounds in a victory at Tulsa on 2/11/24.
The Blazers have also added transfers Daniel Ortiz (North Alabama), James White (Ole Miss), and Barry Dunning Jr. (Arkansas). They have further strengthened their roster with four JUCO prospects and three-star guard KJ Satterfield.
Season tickets for the 2023-24 campaign are available, with prices starting as low as $110. The team will play all their home games at the Bartow Arena. Additionally, the UAB Department of Athletics has announced the return of Blazer Sportsline for the upcoming season, with a 10-episode show featuring both the men's and women's basketball teams.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Shaver is 6'10" tall and weighs 260 lbs.
Will Shaver plays as a forward for the UAB Blazers.
Will Shaver's hometown is Birmingham, Alabama.
