Alexandros Samodurov Gives North Carolina Something It's Been Missing

Michael Malone’s international recruiting push continues to pay off as North Carolina lands versatile Greek forward Alexandros Samodurov

Dec 6, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; A general view of the logo on the court prior to the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Western Carolina Catamounts at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images | Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

North Carolina just received the excellent news of small forward Kevin Thomas committing to play in Chapel Hill, and it’s followed up by even more phenomenal news and promise for next season.

Alexandros Samodurov Commits

Alexandros Samodurov, a Greek power forward and the former teammate of Neoklis Avdalas, the point guard transfer from Virginia Tech, has committed to play for North Carolina next season. This is exciting news for the Blue Devils.

Breaking: Alexandros Samodurov will continue his career at the University of North Carolina, where he will team up with Neoklis Avdalas🔥👀

Sources: @TheShot71 | @Scorakiasgr #ncaa #paobc #olympiacosbc #northcarolina #nba pic.twitter.com/wuSvvRHJKm

— Basketballmaniacs_ (@bballmaniacs_) May 14, 2026

Michael Malone and the newly built Carolina staff had been targeting him for weeks, and they finally got the commitment they’ve been waiting for.

For a season with many new faces, team chemistry is something that isn’t very existent with this North Carolina team. They do have some pre-existing chemistry in the form of the three returning players in Isaiah Denis, Jarin Stevenson, and Jaydon Young. 

Feb 2, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jaydon Young (4) on the free throw line in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

That being said, those returners never really shared the court together. They had limited minutes all season where they actually played in game together, so the pre-existing team chemistry North Carolina gets with this signing should be promising and exciting.

Where Will He Find Himself Within The Lineup?

It will be difficult for Samodurov to begin the season inside of the starting lineup due to Jarin Stevenson’s return, but could absolutely end up seeing starter minutes. While Avdalas will likely find himself in the starting rotation and Samodurov will likely play off of the bench, the two should share the court for plenty of minutes regardless. 

March 10, 2026: Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Myles Colvin (6) knocks the ball away from Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) during the first half of the 2025 ACC Men's Baskeetball Championship at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Scott Kinser) | (Scott Kinser)

Samodurov comes in at six-foot-eleven and will be a perfect addition to the North Carolina roster as it currently stands. The frontcourt for the Tar Heels has been lacking and he will provide that height and length to be able to be a major asset on both ends of the court.

He’s currently 21 years old and has been an excellent player overseas in Greece, and will now bring that talent to Chapel Hill.  He’ll also be a viable depth piece, and hopefully a player Coach Malone can develop for a couple of years.

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 | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With his talent and size, and Malone’s knowledge of development, especially with international talent, Samodurov brings a lot of promise to Chapel Hill. 

Michael Malone isn’t done there. For the limited spots available with the team, Malone intends to sign all the talent necessary for North Carolina to get back to where they should be, and taking his foot off the gas is not in the near future.