The North Carolina Tar Heels are shaping up to be a team to watch this coming season, and the buzz is already building. After a busy offseason of roster moves, UNC's men's basketball program has landed at No. 26 in Jon Rothstein's latest "Rothstein 45" offseason rankings—a solid spot that has fans eager for tip-off.
First-year head coach Michael Malone is putting together an exciting squad, highlighted by the recent addition of international standout Sayon Keita. The Malian big man joins UNC from FC Barcelona, bringing a global flair to Chapel Hill. While the Tar Heels did lose Florida Atlantic transfer Maxim Logue—who rescinded his commitment—his minimal playing time (no starts in 49 appearances) softens the blow. With six months until the season begins, the roster is taking shape, and experts are taking notice.
Rothstein's rankings place UNC just behind Indiana (No. 25) and ahead of BYU (No. 27), which returns star guard Robert Wright. The Tar Heels' projected starting lineup, per Rothstein, includes a mix of transfers and returning talent: Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, Utah transfer Terrence Brown, NC State transfer Matt Able, returning senior Jarin Stevenson, and Keita himself. Off the bench, fans can expect returning guards Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young, incoming 4-star wing Maximo Adams, and 7-foot Northwestern transfer Cade Bennerman.
With only nine players currently on the roster, there's still room to grow. Malone—the longtime Denver Nuggets head coach and 2023 NBA Champion—is actively working the portal to address a key need in the frontcourt. His championship pedigree is already fueling high hopes for a competitive debut season.
Looking ahead, UNC's non-conference schedule is packed with intriguing matchups: Western Carolina, Wofford, Marshall, The Citadel, Wyoming, Kentucky, Georgia, Butler, and Georgetown. That's a slate that should test the Tar Heels early and build momentum for ACC play.
It's still college baseball season, and football will follow after summer break, but basketball season will be here before you know it. For Tar Heel fans, the excitement is already palpable—and this roster is only getting started.