Michael Malone begins first season as North Carolina basketball head coach
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 4:35 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
The North Carolina men’s basketball program enters the 2026-27 season under the direction of new head coach Michael Malone following the departure of Hubert Davis. Malone, who previously led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship, takes over a team undergoing a significant roster overhaul. While retaining staff members Sean May, Pat Sullivan, and Eric Hoots, Malone has integrated 11 newcomers including six transfers. Returning players include Jair Stevenson, Jaydon Young, and Isaiah Denis. Financial reports indicate the university committed over $20 million toward the construction of this year's roster. The team finished the previous campaign with a 24-9 record and a fourth-place standing in the ACC.
- •Michael Malone takes over as head coach after previously coaching in the NBA.
- •The roster includes 11 newcomers through the transfer portal and recruiting.
- •Jair Stevenson returns as a key member of the rotation.
- •The university spent over $20 million on the 2026-27 roster.
- •Sean May, Pat Sullivan, and Eric Hoots remain on the coaching staff.
- 4:35 PMYahoo Sports — North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball 2026-27 Preview
"Just like their football program did in 2025, North Carolina basketball is in the midst of a complete overhaul. Can former long-time NBA head coach Michael Malone get the Tar Heels back to being serious NCAA title contenders? UNC Tar Heels Hoops 2026-27 Preview UNC surprisingly fired Hubert Davis this offseason, and more problematic, the …
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