One UNC Returner Who Could Benefit Most From Malone’s Arrival

This Tar Heel barely saw the court last season, but Michael Malone could give him a fresh start.

Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks with a referee after a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

There are only so many minutes to go around, and plenty of talent and depth on this Carolina team this season. 

However, one returner from last season stands to benefit most from the offseason coaching change and could thrive if given the right opportunity. 

Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone yells direction during a game against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Isaiah Denis Has a Ton of Potential

One of my personal favorite players on the roster is returning sophomore guard Isaiah Denis. Under Hubert Davis last season, Denis had little opportunity to show what he could do, as he appeared in only 10 games and averaged 3.4 minutes and 1.9 points per game, with no starts.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Isaiah Denis (5) before the game against the California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A former 4-star prospect, Denis has shown flashes of major potential in his limited time on the court, but was never given enough runway under Hubert Davis to prove what he could actually do. 

Following Hubert Davis’ firing, Denis actually entered the transfer portal but ultimately decided to return to the Tar Heels after talking with Michael Malone, and he ultimately "felt like Carolina was home.”

Apr 2, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With that being said, Michael Malone wouldn’t have convinced Denis to stay if he didn’t plan on utilizing him in some way. Although the roster is filled with experienced guards, Denis could provide depth and be one of the first guards off the bench if the starters need a break. 

It will be interesting to see exactly how Denis can carve out a role in this rotation that Malone is building. If he can excel in one area, whether that be perimeter defense, downhill scoring, or three-point shooting, Malone will find a way to get him on that court. 

Nov 14, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Isaiah Denis (5) brings the ball up court against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Denis’ size at 6'4", he could give the Heels a great option defensively, especially if Malone elects to use longer guards to switch and defend multiple positions on the floor. 

Brand New Slate in Carolina

The most encouraging part is that starting with a brand-new head coach means last year's results mean nothing. 

Dec 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Isaiah Denis (5) celebrates during the second half against the East Carolina Pirates at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Denis goes and shows out in practice in front of Malone, it won’t matter how much time he saw the floor last season, and Malone has no obligation to bury him in the depth chart. 

For a player like Denis, who wasn’t given an opportunity to show what he’s capable of this far, he presents North Carolina with a major wild card that could ultimately boost this team’s potential significantly. He could be a sleeper candidate in Chapel Hill this season.