Yet to coach his first collegiate game, Michael Malone is already making quite the impact in leading the UNC men's basketball program.
A longtime NBA head coach who led the Denver Nuggets to their lone championship, Malone is quickly proving his recruiting prowess. Not only did Malone ace the transfer portal with additions like Terrence Brown, but he added international standouts like Alexandros Samodurov, retained key players like Jarin Stevenson and finalized a 3-man recruiting class with Kevin Thomas.
How impressive is North Carolina's 2026-27 roster, at least on paper? So much, it's catching the attention of former NC State head coach Kevin Keatts.
"Mike Malone's first team at UNC will feature speed, playmakers and rim protection," Keatts said.
"I really like the play and leadership of Utah transfer Terrence Brown. (Virginia Tech) transfer Neo Avdalas and Jarin Stevenson have ACC experience and great size at both forward positions. Remember the name Sayon Keita, an elite shot blocker. UNC is built to play uptempo this season."
Got a first look at Coach Malone's first team in Chapel Hill. Fast, deep, and they can protect the rim. @UNC_Basketball is built to play uptempo and it shows. pic.twitter.com/sBBCLV32tq
— Kevin Keatts (@CoachKKeatts) September 26, 2026
Teams don't usually get this type of praise from someone who used to coach at a rival program, particularly one like State where there's a pure hatred for in Chapel Hill, but Keatts is a class act.
Brown averaged nearly 20 points per game at Utah last season, leading an otherwise disappointing team. Avdalas started every game for Virginia Tech, Stevenson returns to his hometown team for one final year, while Keita gives the Tar Heels an intriguing, raw talent at center.
Malone built a solid North Carolina roster on paper. Can his new roster gel together on the court and deliver a seventh NCAA title?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Former rival coach praises UNC's 2026-27 basketball roster
