Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

Kade Nix is a sports writer covering North Carolina on SI. He specializes in college basketball, college football, and the NFL. In 2021, he founded Kade’s Draft Room, a sports website that ran until 2025, and has an extensive background writing for multiple channels and sports websites. In addition to his writing experience, Kade has hands-on sports scouting experience, including time as a Texas area scout for the Hula Bowl, giving him a unique perspective on player evaluation and the college sports landscape.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Mar 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Feb 28, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) reacts after scoring in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Feb 28, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

North Carolina has plenty of offensive talent, but improving on defense may be the key to turning the Tar Heels into a legitimate championship contender.

North Carolina has the talent to make a major jump under Michael Malone. These three bold predictions could become reality if everything comes together.

Mar 7, 2026; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) shoots the ball as Virginia Cavaliers guard Dallin Hall (30) defends in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels struggled in this facet of the game last season. Will a new roster be enough to change that?

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Expectations will always be sky-high in Chapel Hill, but judging Michael Malone solely by his first-year record could overlook the signs that matter most.

Michael Malone has already positioned North Carolina among the finalists for one of the nation's top recruits.

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) makes a lay up during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

If Michael Malone wants North Carolina back among the elite, this is the first area that must improve.

North Carolina went into the offseason looking for one thing above all else: a proven scorer who can take over when possessions break down.

Mar 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

UNC's backcourt is loaded with skill, but don't count out this talented freshman.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Michael Malone's first roster looks dramatically different from Hubert Davis' final team—but is it actually better?

Terrence Brown and Matt Able have dominated the headlines, but another newcomer could quietly become one of UNC’s most valuable players.

Mar 17, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Angelo Brizzi (10) during practice before the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Angelo Brizzi brings experience, depth, and another ball handler to Chapel Hill—but how often will he actually see the floor?

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

North Carolina enters a new era with a rebuilt roster.

Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

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