Malone sees chance to be 'part of something special' at UNC - ESPN Michael Malone, the former NBA coach, has transitioned from the professional league to college basketball by becoming the new head men’s basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. The move marks a significant shift for Malone, who previously spent 20 years in the NBA, including a championship season with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. His appointment came after a lengthy negotiation process, culminating in a six-year, $50 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport. The decision to leave the NBA was not made lightly, as Malone emphasized the unique opportunity to be part of UNC’s storied basketball tradition. Malone’s journey to UNC began six months prior when he attended practices at the Dean Smith Center as an outsider. However, his role has since evolved dramatically. At a news conference introducing him as the Tar Heels’ new coach, Malone expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility. “I do not take it lightly,” he said, reflecting on the decision to leave the NBA. While the 2023 championship in Denver was a highlight of his career, Malone’s focus shifted to the potential of contributing to UNC’s legacy. “I had a chance to be part of something special—the history and tradition. Be part of something much bigger than myself,” he explained. The transition to college basketball was not without challenges. Malone, who has never been a college head coach and was last an assistant with the Manhattan team in 2001, faced skepticism about his ability to adapt to the college landscape. However, his NBA credentials—six playoff appearances, 510 career wins, and a 2023 title—were cited as justification for the lucrative contract.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #denver_nuggets #michael_malone #dean_smith_center
UNC Suspends Basketball Arena Discussions to Focus on New Coach Search The University of North Carolina has indefinitely paused discussions about the future of the Smith Center, its long-standing home for men’s basketball, to prioritize the search for a new head coach. This decision, announced by the university’s vice chancellor for communications Dean Stoyer, aims to allow athletic director Bubba Cunningham and interim athletics director Steve Newmark to focus on selecting a replacement for Hubert Davis, who was recently fired after two consecutive NCAA Tournament exits. The suspension of arena-related talks will continue until the new coach has had time to establish their program and prioritize long-term success for the Tar Heels. The move comes amid a broader effort to eliminate distractions during a critical period for the program. Stoyer emphasized that the administration seeks to avoid any potential complications during the search for Davis’s successor, citing the need to maintain focus on competitive performance. Cunningham, who oversaw the firing of Davis, stated in a statement at the time that the university must “move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.” This sentiment underscores the administration’s determination to address the program’s recent struggles, including a lack of consistent NCAA Tournament success and a need for renewed momentum. The Smith Center, named after former UNC coach Dean E. Smith, has been the Tar Heels’ primary venue since 1986. While the arena has hosted over 500 wins for the team, including a memorable last-second victory over Duke this season, its outdated infrastructure has become a point of contention.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #steve_newmark #bubba_cunningham #dean_stoyer
North Carolina fires Hubert Davis after first-round NCAA tournament loss: 'My desire was to continue to coach' - Yahoo Sports North Carolina has parted ways with head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis following a first-round NCAA tournament exit. The decision was announced late Tuesday, ending Davis’ five-year tenure at the helm of the program. Davis, a former UNC shooting guard and longtime assistant under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams, took over after Williams’ retirement in 2021. In a statement, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham acknowledged Davis’ contributions to the program, calling him a “tremendous character” who helped create “special memories.” Cunningham emphasized the difficult nature of the decision, stating that the move was made to “allow our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.” Davis, in his own statement, expressed disappointment at being let go, though he reiterated his commitment to coaching. “My desire was to continue to coach here,” he said. “This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.” Davis’ first season as head coach was marked by significant success, including a run to the 2022 Final Four. The Tar Heels secured two historic victories: a win over rival Duke in head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and another against Duke in the Final Four. However, the program’s momentum stalled in subsequent seasons. Despite a strong start in 2022, North Carolina’s four seasons under Davis have ended in early tournament exits.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #ncaa_tournament #bubba_cunningham #roy_williams
University of North Carolina Announces Leadership Change in Men's Basketball Program The University of North Carolina has announced a leadership change in its men’s basketball program. Hubert Davis, who served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to lead the Tar Heels. The decision was recommended by director of athletics Bubba Cunningham and executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will assume the role of athletics director on July 1. The change was approved by chancellor Lee H. Roberts. Cunningham expressed gratitude for Davis’ contributions as a player, assistant coach, head coach, and community leader, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision due to Davis’ dedication to the program. Newmark highlighted Davis’ commitment to the university and his role in instilling Tar Heel tradition among players. Both Cunningham and Newmark thanked Davis and his family for their service to UNC. The university will honor the terms of Davis’ existing contract. A national search is currently underway to find the next head coach, with Cunningham and Newmark leading the effort. UNC has partnered with executive search firm Turnkey ZRG to assist in the process. The search will also involve consultation with an advisory group of key stakeholders, including former players, coaches, and supporters of UNC athletics. Davis, a former Tar Heel player from 1988 to 1992, spent 12 seasons in the NBA before becoming an assistant coach under Roy Williams from 2012 to 2021. During his tenure as an assistant, UNC won the 2017 national championship. Davis was appointed head coach in April 2021 following Williams’ retirement. His departure marks the end of an era for the program, as he leaves behind a legacy of success and community engagement.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #steve_newmark #bubba_cunningham #lee_h_roberts
Who's next at UNC? Potential candidates to replace Hubert Davis, their priorities Hubert Davis has been dismissed as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, just five days after the team’s devastating loss to 11-seed VCU in the NCAA tournament. The firing marks the end of Davis’ five-year tenure at Chapel Hill, which included a national championship game appearance in 2022 and an ACC regular-season title in 2024. Davis, who had been on the hot seat after a 24-8 season and a loss to Duke in February, faced mounting pressure following the collapse against VCU, where the Tar Heels surrendered a 19-point lead in the second half. The decision came despite the team’s struggles with star forward Caleb Wilson’s season-ending injury, which had initially seemed to secure Davis’ position. The search for Davis’ successor will involve navigating several challenges. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham is set to leave his role this summer, with Steve Newmark, a former NASCAR executive, expected to take over. The department also faces decisions about whether to renovate the Dean Smith Center or relocate the basketball program. Meanwhile, the football team, led by Bill Belichick, is receiving significant resources and attention, which could influence the coaching search. Industry insiders suggest that North Carolina remains an elite destination for head coaches, with its rich history, tradition, and facilities. However, the current landscape is more complex than when Roy Williams retired in 2021. While the job is still considered one of the best in college basketball, the team’s recent struggles and administrative changes may affect its appeal. Potential candidates for the position include Billy Donovan, who has not coached at the college level since 2015 but led Florida to two national championships.#hubert_davis #north_carolina_tar_heels #bubba_cunningham #steve_newmark #bill_belichick
Kenny Smith Absent from Day 2 of CBS NCAA Tournament Coverage Kenny Smith, a key figure on Inside the NBA, was absent from day two of CBS’ NCAA Tournament coverage due to being “under the weather.” His replacement for the studio segment was Renee Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion who transitioned into broadcasting. Smith participated in the first day of coverage but left the set after No. 1 Michigan’s first-round victory over No. 16 Howard. His exit coincided with VCU’s upset of his alma mater, North Carolina, in a game that ended 82-78. Smith’s departure from the set sparked speculation, with many suggesting it was tied to North Carolina’s loss. The Tar Heels fell to VCU in the first round for the second consecutive season, marking the first time since the 1960s that the program had back-to-back opening-round exits. North Carolina struggled in the final stretch of the game, surrendering 23-8 to VCU. Head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities, noting that while they had open shots and executed plays, they missed eight free throws. Davis also praised VCU’s resilience, highlighting their ability to mount a comeback despite being down 19 points. Davis emphasized that the loss was not due to a lack of effort, stating, “We had shots at the basket. We had executed plays. And we miss eight free throws. Sometimes the ball doesn’t go in.” He also credited VCU for their determination, calling their comeback “resilient” and acknowledging that mistakes by North Carolina contributed to the defeat. The loss drew criticism from ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg, who criticized Hubert Davis and the North Carolina program for failing to meet the standard expected of the school.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #kenny_smith #vcu #reneemontgomery
Malloy Smith, Son of Kenny Smith, Commits to UNC Men’s Basketball Malloy Smith, the son of former UNC star point guard and television personality Kenny Smith, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team. The decision was announced on his father’s ESPN show, marking a significant moment for the family’s deep ties to the program. Smith, a six-foot-six guard from California, had previously considered offers from other ACC schools, including Cal, but ultimately chose to join head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels. The offer came after Smith visited Chapel Hill in February, where he felt a strong connection to the campus and the coaching staff. “I just felt like family after the visit,” Smith said following his announcement. The commitment solidifies his place in UNC’s recruiting class of 2026, joining forward Maximo Adams and guard Dylan Mingo as the third prospect to pledge to the program. Smith, who plays for Mater Dei High School, averaged 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season. Despite not being ranked on any major recruiting service’s top 100 list, his skills and potential have drawn attention from college programs. Smith’s decision to commit to UNC is particularly meaningful given his family’s legacy with the program. His father, Kenny Smith, was a standout player for UNC in the 1980s, known for his electrifying play alongside Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins on a 1984 team that reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. A midseason wrist injury during his freshman year is often cited as a factor in the team’s failure to win the national championship that season. Despite that setback, Kenny Smith went on to earn first-team All-American honors as a senior, leading UNC to a 32-4 record and a trip to the Elite Eight in 1987.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #malloy_smith #mater_dei_high_school #kenny_smith
UNC basketball’s ‘No. 1 stat’ has powered Tar Heels’ success CHAPEL HILL — Resiliency, a trait not tracked by college basketball teams or analytics sites, has become the defining characteristic of the 17th-ranked Tar Heels (24-6, 12-5 ACC) as they prepare for a high-stakes matchup against No. 1 Duke (28-2, 16-1) at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 7. The team’s ability to adapt and persevere through injuries and setbacks has been central to their success this season. Senior guard Seth Trimble, who missed nine games after recovering from a broken forearm, described resiliency as the team’s most critical asset. “It’d be our No. 1 stat,” Trimble said. “Keeping our circle just us, hearing only just us and relying on just us takes us such a long way.” He emphasized how the team’s focus on unity helps them block out external noise during tough moments. “When things get hard, you want to crumble and start listening to the outside noise, but having this mindset allows us to stay focused.” Coach Hubert Davis reinforced the importance of this mentality, noting that the team’s cohesion has been vital in overcoming challenges. “This is a tight group and we have to stay together,” Davis said. “Through those days, we have to stay connected. The guys have really done that this year.” The coach highlighted how the team’s ability to regroup after losses and adjust strategies has kept them competitive. The Tar Heels’ resilience was tested early in the season when Trimble was sidelined. Despite missing nine games, UNC went 8-1 in his absence, including a crucial 67-64 win over Kentucky after a 16-point loss to Michigan State. The team faced further adversity in January, losing three of four games while allowing an average of 92 points in defensive struggles against SMU, Stanford, and Cal.#duke #unc_basketball #chapel_hill #seth_trimble #hubert_davis
