North Carolina is preparing for a new era following the firing of Hubert Davis. UNC hired former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone as his replacement. Malone got to work on the transfer portal and managed to snag four players. He also retained two players the Tar Heels were about to lose, convincing them to withdraw from the portal and return to Chapel Hill.
That being said, how good are Mike Malone’s additions and what could they bring to the team?
UNC Basketball Transfer Portal: Incoming Players
Combo Guard Terrence Brown
Playing for the Utah Utes, Brown averaged 19.9 points per game last season, along with 2.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He shot 45.3% from the field, including 32.7% from beyond the arc, which makes him a dangerous scorer. This raises the question of how Mike Malone would develop him in his system. Brown is undoubtedly the best scorer coming into UNC right now, but how well he would fit into this new system remains in question.
Shooting Guard Matt Able
At NC State, he averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, but his passing could use some work. He has shown some versatility, but might be forced into a backup role behind Terrence Brown. Able is rated as the No. 9 shooting guard in the portal, accoring to On3.
Combo Guard Neoklis Avdalas
The Greek freshman is considered a more flexible option than Terrence Brown, which would make for an interesting contest. Both are combo guards, which means they could be played as small forward or even point guard, with Avdalas being the better passer, averaging 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
Power Forward Cade Bennerman
A true seven-footer, Cade Bennerman can play at center, but he truly excels at power forward. He did not play much at Northwestern during his freshman year, and he was redshirted. However, as a true seven-footer, he is a threat on the boards. Malone is known for developing big men, including Nikola Jokic, and could relish the prospect of working with Bennerman.
Read More:
Andrej Stojakovic NBA Draft: Can Illinois Star Still Return To College Basketball?
Dusty May’s 2025 Contract Extension: How Much Does Michigan’s HC Earn?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
