Top 3 Offseason Additions for North Carolina

North Carolina brought in plenty of new faces this offseason, but a few additions stand above the rest in shaping the outlook for Michael Malone’s first year.

Jan 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

There has been no shortage of new additions to this North Carolina team throughout this offseason. Ever since Michael Malone arrived in Chapel Hill, he has gotten straight to work. 

Through various recruiting visits and even traveling overseas to meet with potential prospects, Malone has put together a team that fans can get excited about heading into next season.

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 | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

That being said, not all signings were equal in value. Some provided value in ways that others couldn’t. The question becomes, which additions added the most value to the Carolina roster?

Serra's Maximo Adams (25) jumps for the tip-off over Indio's Jayden Gonzalez (12) to start the first quarter of their first-round CIF-SS playoff game at Indio High School in Indio, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. | Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 3 Maximo Adams

Adams has been out of the spotlight and news for a while now, and I think that will change once things start heating up in Chapel Hill. People may have forgotten how great Adams can be, and his value for Carolina has been underrated in the past few weeks amidst all the chaos. 

Serra's Maximo Adams (25) looks to coaches as he runs down the court during the first quarter of their first-round CIF-SS playoff game at Indio High School in Indio, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. | Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

It was uncertain if Adams would even return to Carolina after the departure of Hubert Davis and the hiring of Michael Malone. Fortunately for Carolina, it worked out in their favor as Adams remained fully committed.

His versatility and size allow him to play as a guard and a forward, giving Carolina much-needed flexibility and better opportunities to earn valuable minutes for the team. It’s unknown if he’s a day one starter, but if I were sorting out the starting lineup, he’d be in there. 

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)

No. 2 Neoklis Avdalas

Avdalas’s value comes in many ways. In a guard-heavy offseason, Avdalas was the first domino to fall and should find a way to insert himself into the starting rotation. 

He brings value on both ends of the court and should be able to form a solid backcourt connection with Terrence Brown to give Carolina some legitimate offensive threats. 

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 | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

No. 1 Sayon Keita

Coming in at the top spot is the most recent addition by Malone, Sayon Keita, the seven-foot 5-star prospect currently playing overseas in Spain. Aside from the fact that he very well could be the flat-out best talent that was added, he provided the most positional value to the team.

Before his signing, the team was in desperate need of a center after North Carolina found out that star center Henri Veesaar would not be returning to Chapel Hill for his senior season. Keita came in and filled that massive void on the roster. His value at this point in time cannot be understated.