Son of Kenny Smith commits as recruit to UNC basketball Malloy Smith, the son of former North Carolina basketball star Kenny Smith, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina, joining his father and older brother in representing the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-6 senior point guard from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, announced his decision during a segment on his father’s NBA Tip-Off show, which aired on ESPN. Smith, a 3-star recruit, becomes the third member of his family to play for the program, following in the footsteps of his father, Kenny Smith, and his older brother, K.J. Smith, who graduated from UNC in 2021. Smith’s commitment solidifies North Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class, which already includes five-star guard Dylan Mingo and top-25 forward Maximo Adams. The trio is expected to join the Tar Heels in June, marking a significant addition to the program’s roster. During his high school season, Smith averaged 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, with standout performances including a single-game high of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. In a statement during his announcement, Smith emphasized the importance of family legacy in his decision. “I’ve done a lot of praying and taken a lot of time in my recruitment, and I think the best thing for me to do is to join the Carolina family,” he said. His father, Kenny Smith, was a first-team All-America selection in 1987 and later became a respected television analyst, while K.J. Smith played for UNC from 2018 to 2021. The Tar Heels’ coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, has been actively building a competitive roster for the 2026 season. With Smith’s commitment, the program continues to attract talent with strong family ties, further enhancing its reputation as a destination for elite athletes.#unc_basketball #malloy_smith #mater_dei_high_school #kenny_smith #k_j_smith
