Projected starting lineup and rotation for the new-look UNC Tar Heels

North Carolina made a big splash this offseason, hiring Mike Malone to be the new head coach in Chapel Hill. Malone comes from coaching in the NBA for over twenty seasons, including winning the 2023 NBA Championship while coaching the Denver Nuggets.

Malone assembled an almost entirely new roster. Jarin Stevenson was the only returner who had a large role on last season’s roster.

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The expectations may not be winning a national championship this season, but Tar Heel fans are going to expect UNC to be competitive among the top of the ACC and have the chance to go on a run in March.

UNC projected starting lineup and rotation

PG

SG

SF

PF

C

Terrence Brown

Matt Able

Neoklis Avdalas

Jarin Stevenson

Sayon Keita

Jaydon Young

Isaiah Denis

Kevin Thomas

Maximo Adams

Alex Samodurov

North Carolina was tested in their exhibition against Charlotte, winning 89-82 behind a 9-0 run to close the game. This doesn’t mean that UNC is not going to find success this season, it just may take a bit of time for everything to gel. It is worth noting that Matt Able didn’t play in the game.

If North Carolina is able to reach their ceiling, it’ll be in part because of what Neoklis Avdalas is able to do. The 6-foot-9 wing can play any position from point guard through power forward. Against Charlotte, he had 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, highlighting his ability to impact the game in a multiude of ways.

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This is a roster talented enough to both make the NCAA Tournament and also try and make a bit of noise in March. The biggest question will be how Mike Malone transitions from coaching in the NBA for so long to the modern day college basketball system.

UNC’s backcourt will be their strength

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Matt Able | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The starting trio of Terrence Brown, Matt Able, and Neoklis Avdalas give North Carolina multiple weapons to attack with. Brown is a high-volume, lead guard who can operate with the ball in his hands to score or facilitate for others….

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Publish date : 2026-10-29 18:30:00

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