Ranking North Carolina’s Top 5 Players for 2026-27 Season

North Carolina's backcourt production was inconsistent at times last season, and with all of those players leaving the program this offseason, Malone needed a difference-making guard. Brown certainly fits the bill, as he averaged nearly 20 points per game last season at Utah.

The 6-foot-3, 174-pound guard's ability to score at will was not relevant in Chapel Hill in 2025. Brown was one of North Carolina's top targets in the transfer portal, and his addition was groundbreaking for the program.

2. Sayon Keita

The 7-foot center from Spain is a 5-star recruit and reclassified from the 2027 class to play immediately next season in Chapel Hill. Keita is a potential lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.

Finding a center that will duplicate what Henri Veesaar accomplished last season is impossible, but the former Barcelona center's ability to dominate on defense will elevate North Carolina to another level. Keita will need to refine his offensive game, but that will come with time.

3. Neoklis Avdalas

The Virginia Tech transfer could end up being the most important player for the Tar Heels next season. His ability to operate as a guard at 6-foot-9 and 216 pounds is something that should have North Carolina fans excited.

Avdalas will unlock several elements in this offense, including Brown's role off the ball. The Utah transfer will benefit from Avdalas orchestrating the offense.

4. Jarin Stevenson

Stevenson was a key role player in 2025, and that will continue to be the case next season, with his experience and increased opportunity apparent.

Malone has reportedly told people around the program that he envisions Stevenson as the Tar Heels' version of Aaron Gordon. The Alabama transfer took a leap last season when Caleb Wilson missed the final nine games of the season.

5. Maximo Adams

The 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward was a 4-star recruit in this year's class, and could develop into a secret weapon for the Tar Heels next season. At the moment, I would assume Adams and Matt Able will battle for the starting forward position.

If Adams opens the season off the bench, he could be one of the best role players in the country. Adams is an elite shot-creator who can score at all three levels off the dribble.