Michael Malone, UNC Land 5-Star Wing for 2027 Class

The North Carolina Tar Heels entered a new era of college basketball by hiring Michael Malone as their head coach in the offseason.

Malone comes over after he had a successful tenure with the Denver Nuggets, winning a championship in 2023. Malone has done a great job thus far with the Tar Heels, and they could continue to develop in the coming years.

North Carolina is getting some help ahead of next season, as wing DeMarcus Henry has committed to the program. Henry is a five-star player and the second overall prospect in the 2027 class. 

He committed to the Tar Heels over Kentucky, Louisville, and Arkansas, and will be a key piece on their roster next season.

Henry was effective in the Nike EYBL, averaging 19.3 points per game along with 9.2 rebounds, shooting 52 percent from the field. He is one of the best players in his class and could be an effective two-way wing for North Carolina.

He is also a talented playmaker, making him a valuable piece for Malone to utilize. Henry shared that he and Malone are like-minded, and he is eager to learn from a coach who has won an NBA Championship.

Henry also stated that Malone was relentless in pursuing him, including attending his Team USA Basketball games in Mexico.

Henry has a talented all-around game, and Malone could help him develop into a star and get the Tar Heels back to competing at a high level.

North Carolina is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, but they have not won an NCAA Title since the 2016-17 season. The Tar Heels last appeared in the NCAA Tournament Final in the 2021-22 season.

Malone should help North Carolina become one of the best programs once again, as he was one of the best coaches in the NBA. 

In the 2026-27 season, the Tar Heels have a shot to contend, led by Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, Matt Able, and Sayon Keita. Brown played at a high level for Utah in the 2025-26 season, averaging 19.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three.

He will be one of their lead scorers this season and help them make a push. Malone has assembled a great roster, and they have a chance at making a deep run this season, but could be even better in the 2027 season with the addition of a top prospect in Henry.