Get To Know North Carolina’s Newest Additions

• “I love guys that have a motor, that play hard,” Malone said. “You don’t have to wind up and motivate a player – I love self-motivated players who play hard. Toughness, you can’t put a dollar sign on toughness. And then IQ."

• “Those are the things that jump out regardless of position – one through five, what you shoot from the foul line, what you shoot from the three-point line," Malone continued. "If you have a motor, you're tough, and you have IQ, you have a chance to be a hell of a player.”

• “When I think about the culture we’re going to create here – same culture that we built in Denver,” Malone said. “It doesn’t matter, NBA or college, you can have a strong culture, and that’s going to start with being a work team."

• “A team that outworks people, stays motivated. I want to surround myself with players that have that kind of work ethic. I shouldn’t have to go to practice and try to motivate you every day.”

North Carolina's New-Look Roster

Despite the destructive losses in the transfer portal and in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Tar Heels have recovered nicely, landing several intriguing talents. Malone's first acquisition was Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, who will operate as a play-making guard at 6-foot-9 and 216 pounds. After days of inactivity, North Carolina orchestrated a mini flurry, signing Terrence Brown and Matt Able.

With the backcourt rebuilt, Malone shifted his focus to the frontcourt, using the portal and the overseas market to revitalize a roster position ravaged this offseason. Both Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson entered the NBA draft while Zayden High transferred to South Florida.

The Tar Heels added depth, signing Northwestern transfer Cade Bennerman, who was supposedly joining Maxim Logue as a bench piece, but the Florida Atlantic transfer withdrew from North Carolina. That being said, the Tar Heels' diamond-in-the-rough acquisition was overseas center Sayon Keita , who could be a lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. Not to mention, although he was recruited by Hubert Davis, Maximo Adams was a key retention for Malone and this coaching staff.

How To Follow North Carolina Newcomers

Below is an extensive list of X and Instagram accounts for each newcomer on the roster (when applicable). In the world of social media, it is easier than ever to stay connected with your favorite players.