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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

Malone is entering his inaugural season in Chapel Hill.

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

Malone is entering his inaugural season in Chapel Hill.

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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

The Tar Heels' incoming transfer guard is a major piece to the puzzle in 2026.

Mar 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels are gearing up for a potential elite freshman class next offseason.

Mar 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels still have their doubters.

Mar 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels have several moving parts on the roster, but this specific position will be the deciding factor.

Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on the sideline during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' 2027 class could be robust.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts towards referee Danielle Scott (87) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Michael Malone may be in a good position to land one of the top recruits in 2027.

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

The Tar Heels have made strides in their recruiting success under Michael Malone.

Feb 10, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

An elite recruit has included UNC in his final seven programs.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels need a strong 2026 campaign.

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

The Tar Heels' range of outcomes is a complete unknown.

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

One Tar Heel newcomer grades out among the best defenders in college basketball.

Mar 7, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) is harassed by Duke Blue Devils fans as he attempts to inbound the ball during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Duke Blue Devils won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' 2026-27 conference schedule was released on Wednesday.

Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on the sideline during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels are in the running for multiple marquee prospects in next year's class.

Mar 28, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' ceiling will rise astronomically if these players reach their potential.

Mar 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) drives through Clemson Tigers guard Ace Buckner (21) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels should expect more from their top returning player from last season's roster.

Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels needed a strong offseason after losing for the second straight year in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Mar 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' head coach has done a tremendous job since arriving in Chapel Hill. However, that doesn't mean there were no tall tasks to complete en route to a strong offseason.

There are several factors that will play a part in the Tar Heels' level of success in 2026.

The Tar Heels are entering this season with plenty to prove.

Feb 20, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone calls out in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The former Barcelona center has proved a lot during his first two weeks in Chapel Hill.

Feb 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) and forward Tobi Lawal (1) during the second half of the game against the NC State Wolfpack at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

The Greek guard will be monumental in the Tar Heels' success.

Feb 14, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) drives with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) defends during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' success starts on this end of the court.

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

What this offseason's transfer portal activity means for the Tar Heels moving forward.

Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone claps from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' bench will be an important part of the team's success this season.