North Carolina basketball is officially entering a new era with Michael Malone taking the reins, and believe me, this team is going to look completely different. After a two-week coaching search following an NCAA Tournament loss to VCU, UNC landed Malone, who hasn’t coached at the college level in over 25 years. This isn’t just a new coach, it’s a total reboot for the Tar Heels.
Malone’s Big Swing: NBA Mindset, College Roster
Malone, fresh off a lengthy NBA career coaching the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets, is making a massive splash right away. His last college gig was way back in 2001 as an assistant at Manhattan. Despite his lack of direct ties to the Carolina program, a usual unofficial prerequisite, they went all in on him. And he’s already reshaped the roster like a pro. UNC snagged the No. 8-ranked transfer portal class in the 247Sports rankings. We are talking about major additions like Matt Able from NC State, Terrence Brown from Utah, and Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech. Plus, they are bringing in five-star big man Sayon Keita from Spain, a name to remember for the 2027 NBA Draft. This level of roster turnover means gone are stars like Caleb Wilson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Henri Veesaar to the NBA, and even defensive ace Seth Trimble, who is set to play for Louisville if he gets that extra year of eligibility.
Who’s Stepping Up for Opening Night?
So, who is Malone rolling out when they hit the court against Western Carolina on November 2? The projected starting lineup is full of fresh faces ready to make an immediate impact. At guard, you’ve got senior Terrence Brown, the Utah transfer who put up 19.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in his first year of high-major basketball. He even averaged 20.6 points back at Farleigh Dickinson in 2024-25. This guy brings scoring, playmaking, and much-needed athleticism.
Alongside him is sophomore Matt Able, a rare “Tobacco Road” transfer from NC State. Able averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, playing over 21 minutes a game off the bench in 34 appearances for the Wolfpack. Now, he’s stepping into a starting role, and whispers are already saying he might be UNC’s best NBA prospect, with a breakout season potentially putting him in the first round. Then there’s freshman Neoklis Avdalas, a 6-foot-9 guard from Virginia Tech with that valuable “point-forward” archetype. He averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 31 games as a freshman, showing serious flashes of impact potential, like that game against Providence. The lone returner, senior Jarin Stevenson, holds down the forward spot at 6-10.
It’s clear Malone isn’t wasting any time putting his stamp on this program. All eyes will be on November 2 when this new-look squad takes the court against Western Carolina. Can these transfers mesh quickly? This is going to be one wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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