Yesterday was a busy day for UNC basketball. Michael Malone had three players publicly commit to come to Chapel Hill next year in roughly an eight-hour span. First, Utah point guard Terrence Brown chose UNC over fellow blueblood contenders Kansas and Kentucky. Shortly afterwards, N.C. State freshman guard Matt Able chose to play at UNC next year rather than rebuild with the Wolfpack. The third commitment was a bit more surprising; Florida Atlantic’s Maxim Logue announced he’d also be donning Carolina
blue in the fall. While Logue projects to be a little more of a project, he will give the Heels some depth at the forward position.
Overall, it was a good day for Malone. Brown and Able were both pretty highly regarded options in the transfer portal, while Logue at first glance seems to have a lot of potential if he’s able to stay healthy. After yesterday’s announcements, it would seem much of UNC’s starting lineup is set, particularly in the backcourt. With the obvious caveat that this is purely a guess, it would appear that Brown, Able, Virgina Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas and Jarin Stevenson are probably starting for the Heels next year. Of course, one big question remains: will Henri Veesaar enter the NBA draft, or will he come back to UNC for his senior season?
If Veesaar returns, this could be a very good roster for the Heels, with a mix of proven contributors like Brown and Stevenson and some players with potentially high upsides in Avdalas and Able. There will definitely be an adjustment period with a new head coach, although it’s worth noting UNC could actually have more players returning this year than last, despite the coaching change.
So, what are your thoughts on the recent UNC portal transfers? Which one are you most excited to see play in Chapel Hill next year?
