North Carolina lands commitment from Malloy Smith, son of Kenny "The Jet" Smith Malloy Smith, a three-star point guard in the 2026 NBA draft class, has officially pledged his college basketball future to the University of North Carolina. The 6-foot-6 senior from Mater Dei High School in California made the decision after receiving an offer from UNC in mid-February and completing an official visit to Chapel Hill last weekend. His commitment places him among the Tar Heels’ top targets for the upcoming season, with the program now set to add him to its 2026 recruiting class. Smith, the son of former NBA star and UNC legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith, cited several factors in his choice. He emphasized the sense of familiarity and comfort he felt at UNC, noting the trust and confidence the coaching staff showed in his abilities. “Their future plans for me align with mine,” he said, adding that the program’s commitment to developing players resonated with his own goals. The 18-year-old also highlighted the rich tradition and history of North Carolina basketball as a major draw. “The fan base is special, and every coach who has ever played here has a connection to this program,” he explained. Smith praised the university’s legacy and the legacy of its coaching staff, which includes many former Tar Heels players. In describing his playing style, Smith said he thrives on creating opportunities for his teammates and using his speed to drive the offense. “I like to play fast and get the ball to my teammates,” he said. He also expressed excitement about contributing to the team’s energy and competitiveness, promising fans “exciting plays” during games. Smith’s commitment marks the third addition to UNC’s 2026 class, joining five-star point guard Dylan Mingo (ranked No.#university_of_north_carolina #malloy_smith #kenny_the_jet_smith #mater_dei_high_school #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament
