Ranking Most Underrated Offseason Moves by UNC

Entering the offseason, the overseas youngster was viewed as a potential star, but was not thought to be available until next offseason. That did not stop Malone from aggressively pursuing Keita, who reclassified to the 2026 class to ensure that he would be part of North Carolina's reclamation project right away.

Keita is a potential lottery pick in next year's draft. His ability to protect the rim and make plays on the offensive end will be monumental in the Tar Heels' operation next season. Losing Henri Veesaar, Caleb Wilson, and Zayden High were gut punches for Malone, but the Tar Heels recovered nicely with this addition.

2. Retaining Maximo Adams

Failing to keep Adams on board could have derailed the entire offseason and further marred the Tar Heels' reputation heading into next season. Following Dylan Mingo's decision to de-commit from North Carolina and reopen his recruitment, the attention instantly turned to the four-star forward, who could have followed suit, as the roster was crumbling around him.

However, Adams made it clear that he had dreamt of this opportunity and that playing under Malone would be the best thing for his career. The longtime NBA head coach's influence has been apparent this offseason, and keeping a talented incoming freshman in the midst of figuring everything else out is something that should not be overlooked.

3. Landing In-State Transfer

It's not like the Tar Heels lacked any talent last season. In fact, if they were fully healthy entering the NCAA Tournament, they could have made a push for the Sweet 16. Additionally, North Carolina's depth was elite in 2025, but that evaporated this offseason, with High, Kyan Evans, Jonathan Powell, and Luka Bogavac all going elsewhere in the portal.

The Tar Heels' backcourt was ravaged during this process. That said, landing North Carolina State transfer Matt Able was a move that did not receive the attention it deserved. The freshman guard averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range in 21.9 minutes off the bench in 2025.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound guard could see extensive minutes in Malone's system, and those numbers would undoubtedly increase in that scenario.