Why Michael Malone’s First UNC Roster Is Better – and Worse

One trend becoming more common in college basketball is fewer returning players per season. For the Tar Heels, they welcome back only three returning players, with only one of the three having significant playing time the year before.

Isaiah Denis, Jarin Stevenson, and Jaydon Young will return to Chapel Hill this season, but will likely not make up the majority of points, minutes, or any major stats for that matter. North Carolina is rolling into the new season with a new coach in Michael Malone and a brand-new roster full of talent.

Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Coach Malone was busy in his first offseason as head coach, and he’s built an interesting roster to say the least. With the roster we’re given so far, it’s hard not to speculate and compare it to what the Heels have had in the past.

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Better Guard Play Compared to Last Season

Comparing this upcoming team to last season’s roster, it reveals an interesting difference between the two. For starters, the guard play is much deeper and more diverse.

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) passes the ball Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last season, the point guard position was shaky from the start, and while Derek Dixon got the nod for most of the season, he went on cold streaks throughout the schedule that created inconsistency issues for the Heels.

Seth Trimble, Luka Bogavac, and Jonathan Powell got some meaningful minutes throughout the season, but it was certainly the weaker side of the floor.

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives to the basket Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s…

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Publish date : 2026-06-30 10:01:00

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