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Following last season’s first-round defeat to VCU in the NCAA tournament, the North Carolina Tar Heels orchestrated multiple groundbreaking moves this offseason.
It was apparent that the Tar Heels needed to make drastic changes after five years of mediocrity. With that in mind, here are the five most important individuals for North Carolina heading into the 2026-27 college basketball season.
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1. Michael Malone
Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone yells direction during a game against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This one is obvious, as Malone is taking over as the Tar Heels’ head coach. When Malone was first hired, there were doubts about his ability to construct a competitive roster in the transfer portal. However, those concerns were quickly erased, as North Carolina compiled the No. 9 transfer portal class.
While Malone and his staff excelled in that area of the job, the 54-year-old head coach now needs to expand on that by maximizing those players and establishing a winning culture.
2. Neoklis Avdalas
Mar 7, 2026; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) drives to the basket as Virginia Cavaliers guard Dallin Hall (30) and Cavaliers center Johann Grnloh (17) defend in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There’s a reason the Virginia Tech transfer was Malone’s first signing. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound guard gives North Carolina such a positional advantage in the backcourt because of his size. Avdalas’ ability to facilitate and create off the dribble is rare for a player of that stature.
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Because of that, the Greek guard is one of the most versatile players in the country, with the ability to play on and off the ball.
3. Matt Able
Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-key-figures-shaping-north-110007409.html
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Publish date : 2026-09-06 11:00:00
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