Tar Heels snag huge transfer portal win as Isaiah Denis commits to UNC, fueling championship dreams under Coach Malone's new era.
New North Carolina head coach Michael Malone is doing something he's never had to do before as the top man: recruit.
The Tar Heels decided to take a chance on Malone, who won an NBA championship as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, instead of hiring a proven college basketball coach.
Malone should be more than capable of developing a roster, but he'll need to learn how to recruit in order to build an elite roster that can compete for a national championship.
On Saturday, Malone received big news in the transfer portal.
Per a post on Instagram, Isaiah Denis announced he was returning to North Carolina for the 2026-27 season.
"Chapel Hill we got unfinished business," he wrote.
As a freshman, Denis averaged 1.9 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.1 assists per game for UNC. His numbers were hampered from a pinky injury.
Fans reacted on social media to the news Denis would return to UNC.
"North Carolina guard Isaiah Denis has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal. Four-star in last year’s recruiting class that didn’t get much of an opportunity to prove himself last year," wrote a fan.
"Underrated keep for Mike Malone and the Tar Heels. Excited to see what Isaiah can do in a bigger role."
"I can’t wait for a year 2 healthy Isaiah Denis with more confidence and opportunity," posted another. "I think he will blossom into a vital pg2 role for Mike Malone’s first team in Chapel Hill."
"Great now he can prove HD firing was the right move. Never understood why he didn’t get to play any," believes a fan.
"Great news! He should be a major contributor this upcoming season. He may have a higher ceiling than Dixon. Go Heels!" commented a fan.
"UNC fans Terrence Brown and Isaiah Denis are so much alike," wrote another. "Both IMPOSSIBLE to stay in front of so quick off the dribble + SOOOO MUCH BOUNCE.
"They could be fast & furious together on court for North Carolina Or be a 1-2 punch subbing for each other!! So quick so explosive!"
"ISAIAH DENIS WILL BE COMING BACK! LETS GO," wrote a fan.