North Carolina Tar Heels Continue Building 2026–27 Roster Under First-Year Head Coach Michael Malone.
It’s been an active and defining offseason for North Carolina under first-year head coach Michael Malone, as the Tar Heels continue shaping a roster that is rapidly coming into focus for the 2026–27 campaign.
From the start, the staff has worked aggressively to stabilize the program’s foundation, balancing player retention with targeted additions from high school recruiting and the transfer portal. That blend has allowed UNC to maintain continuity in key areas while also injecting new talent into the rotation.
A number of priority recruits were successfully retained despite outside interest, giving the coaching staff a core group they can continue to develop. On top of that, UNC has secured a strong incoming recruiting class that addresses multiple positional needs, particularly in perimeter scoring and defensive versatility.
Still, as the NBA withdrawal deadline approaches, the roster picture is not completely settled. The Tar Heels are essentially in the final phase of roster construction, with only a handful of significant decisions left to be made before the staff can lock in its depth chart for the upcoming season.
The most notable storyline centers around guard Matt Able. His situation has become a focal point within the program after he significantly boosted his draft profile at the NBA Scouting Combine in Chicago. Able’s performance reportedly impressed evaluators with his combination of shot creation, improved decision-making, and physical tools, all of which contributed to a noticeable rise in his stock.
That development has placed UNC in a waiting position. If Able decides to remain in the draft, it would create a meaningful gap in the backcourt rotation and potentially shift how the staff allocates minutes and roster balance. If he returns, however, he immediately becomes one of the most important perimeter pieces on the roster and a potential breakout player in the ACC.
For now, the Tar Heels are preparing for both outcomes, continuing to evaluate depth options while staying active in the final stages of roster planning. With most of the roster already in place, Able’s decision looms as the final key piece in what has otherwise been a productive and strategic offseason for UNC.
North Carolina may have to look for another wing player depending on Able’s decision. Now, they are reportedly reaching out to a player in the transfer portal for that help.
Per Tobias Bass, the Tar Heels have been in contact with forward Josh Hill out of Robert Morris. Bass reports that the team had a Zoom meeting with Hill.
In 22 games last season, Hill averaged 7.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He’s a talented forward who can play on the wing and provide some help there for the Tar Heels.
The roster may be close to being done but there are some needs that could still be filled
