Why North Carolina’s Transfer Portal Class Being Heavily Overlooked

The North Carolina Tar Heels have completely retooled this offseason, starting with the hire of Michael Malone as the head coach. With the number of outgoing players and a new head coach in place, the Tar Heels’ roster reconstruction has been predicated on the transfer portal. Despite being formally announced on April 7 – the same day as the portal opening – Malone has assembled a tantalizing transfer portal class.

That being said, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, North Carolina’s transfer portal class ranked No. 8 in the country. I would argue that it is too low. Here is why.

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Assessing the Tar Heels’ Additions

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Throughout the offseason, we have delved into who Malone and his staff have acquired, both in the portal and through the recruiting class. As mentioned, this roster is built around the pieces the Tar Heels signed in the transfer portal, with Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, Matt Able, and Cade Bennerman representing the class.

Having North Carolina’s portal class ranked No. 8 in the country was a fair assessment a month ago, but a lot has changed since then, with new information and data emerging. Brown’s potent scoring ability has always been accurately advertised, and that narrative remains the same. However, Avdalas and Able have each improved their stocks since the transfer portal window opened in early April.

Feb 28, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) with the ball in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

During this process, Avdalas has been acclaimed as a multi-dimensional player who can operate as the primary ball handler or off the ball as a shooting guard or along the wing. That opinion has…

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Publish date : 2026-06-11 14:56:00

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