Utah Transfer Guard Terrence Brown Commits to UNC North Carolina and head coach Michael Malone secured a significant addition to their 2026 recruiting class on Tuesday as Utah guard Terrence Brown officially committed to the Tar Heels. The announcement came via On3, marking the second major transfer portal acquisition for Malone, who previously added Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas earlier this offseason. Brown, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound native of Minneapolis, Minn., had taken official visits to UNC and Kansas in the past week and also considered Kentucky as part of his decision-making process. Sources confirmed that Brown met with the UNC coaching staff in Las Vegas on Monday, further solidifying his commitment. Brown’s decision to join UNC follows a notable evolution in his college basketball career. During his time at Utah, he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors for his contributions to the team, which finished near the bottom of the conference standings. The 19.9 points and 3.8 assists per game he averaged highlighted his scoring ability, but his recent development as a playmaker has drawn attention. Utah head coach Alex Jensen praised Brown’s growth during a January radio show, noting how the guard had transformed from a scorer-focused player to a more versatile contributor. “TB has come a long way,” Jensen said. “From being a scorer in other stops, I think he’s made big jumps in controlling the game, getting his other teammates involved, having more of a complete game and also being the stopper.” Brown himself acknowledged the emphasis his coach placed on his development. “Coach Jensen’s really just been emphasizing me being like a playmaker and getting my teammates open,” he said on the same show.#north_carolina #michael_malone #utah #terrence_brown #alex_jensen
Malone Adds Former Providence Head Coach Kim English to UNC's Staff Michael Malone has added former George Mason and Providence head coach Kim English to his staff at North Carolina, according to sources confirmed by TarHeel247. English, who will turn 38 in September, was recently let go by Providence after serving as its head coach for three seasons. With 11 years of coaching experience since his playing career ended in 2015, English brings a mix of collegiate and professional basketball expertise to the Tar Heels. A former two-time All-Big 12 player at Missouri, English transitioned to coaching in 2015 after his playing days concluded. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Tulsa, Colorado, and Tennessee, working under notable mentors such as Frank Haith, Tad Boyle, and Rick Barnes. His playing career included 41 games with the Detroit Pistons and several seasons overseas before retiring as a professional. English’s collegiate coaching journey began at Missouri, where he played for four seasons and became a key contributor. During his time with the Tigers, Missouri reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a run to the Elite Eight in his freshman year. The team compiled a 107-34 record during his tenure, with English ranking 13th in program history in scoring. His career averages at Missouri were 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a total of 1,570 points. In 2021, English was named head coach at George Mason, where he led the Patriots to a 34-29 record in two seasons. His first season as head coach included a notable victory, as the team secured its first true road win over a ranked team by defeating Maryland. The Patriots also participated in the NIT during his first year.#george_mason #providence #kim_english #missouri #michael_malone
Arkansas’ Chuck Martin Set To Join Michael Malone’s UNC Staff Michael Malone is finalizing the addition of his top assistant, as Arkansas’ Chuck Martin is poised to join the North Carolina Tar Heels’ coaching staff as associate head coach. The hire, confirmed by multiple sources, marks a significant move for both Malone and Martin, who brings extensive experience in college basketball. Inside Carolina first reported the news on Monday, noting that Malone had narrowed his focus to Martin, while Jon Rothstein later confirmed the deal was being finalized for the associate head coach position. Martin has since agreed to the role, and the University of North Carolina is moving forward with the assumption that he will join the staff. Martin, a seasoned assistant coach with 14 years of experience at major conference programs, spent the past two seasons at Arkansas under head coach John Calipari. During his tenure, he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Razorbacks. His work at Arkansas has been instrumental in shaping the program’s success, as both of his recruiting classes have ranked among the nation’s top five. The 2026 class, in particular, is currently projected as the second-best in the country. This success has positioned Martin as a key figure in the college basketball landscape, and his hiring by UNC underscores Malone’s commitment to building a competitive program. Malone emphasized the importance of hiring coaches with global connections to attract top-tier talent. “As I hire my staff, I want to hire guys that have great contacts, not only in the country, but around the world, so we can continue to bring the best players here and help them develop so we can field the best team,” Malone stated at a press conference.#arkansas #john_calipari #michael_malone #north_carolina_tar_heels #chuck_martin
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
Nikola Jokic posts double-double Nikola Jokic nearly recorded a triple-double in Denver’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, finishing with 29 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks, two three-pointers, and one steal. Despite his all-around performance, a season-high 10 turnovers plagued the Nuggets, with three of those occurring in the fourth quarter alone. These turnovers contributed to Denver’s 12 team turnovers in the final frame, further complicating their efforts to secure a win. Jokic’s 29 points came on 11-of-19 field goal shooting and 5-of-8 free throw attempts, showcasing his efficiency despite the turnovers. His 14 rebounds highlighted his dominance on the boards, while his nine assists underscored his ability to distribute the ball effectively. However, the Nuggets’ struggles with ball security became a critical issue, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the team’s turnover count surged. The loss has placed the Nuggets in a precarious position as they approach the NBA Play-In Tournament. With the team’s record now in jeopardy, the recurring issue of turnovers has raised concerns about their ability to maintain consistency in the final stretch of the regular season. Coach Michael Malone and the team will need to address these mistakes quickly, as the Play-In represents a crucial opportunity to secure a playoff spot. Jokic’s performance, while impressive, was overshadowed by the Nuggets’ inability to protect the ball. His 10 turnovers marked a significant departure from his usual composure, and the team’s overall handling of the ball in the fourth quarter proved costly. As the Nuggets look to bounce back, Jokic’s leadership and ability to minimize turnovers will be key to their success in the remaining games.#denver_nuggets #nikola_jokic #memphis_grizzlies #michael_malone #nba_play_in_tournament
Denver Nuggets Face Toronto Raptors in Crucial Playoff Race The Denver Nuggets, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference with just 12 games remaining, face a pivotal matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. The game, set at Ball Arena in Denver, carries significant weight as both teams vie for playoff positioning. The Raptors, riding a three-game winning streak, enter the contest as a formidable opponent, while the Nuggets aim to maintain their momentum after a recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nuggets’ struggles have been evident in recent weeks, with injuries, defensive lapses, and inconsistent coaching undermining their performance. Despite holding a top-four seed in jeopardy, the team has shown a tendency to underperform, particularly in high-stakes games. Coach Michael Malone’s approach has come under scrutiny, with fans expressing frustration over the team’s inability to close out games. The loss to Memphis, a team in the playoff hunt, has further fueled concerns about the Nuggets’ ability to secure a favorable seed. Toronto, meanwhile, has emerged as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors’ balanced attack, led by Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, has made them a dangerous opponent. Their 20-13 record on the road this season underscores their competitiveness, and their recent blowout of the Chicago Bulls—139-109—demonstrates their offensive firepower. The Raptors’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and transition opportunities could pose a significant threat to the Nuggets, who have struggled with ball security. Jokic’s 3.9 turnovers per game, a career high, have been a recurring issue, and his 10 turnovers in the Memphis game highlight the team’s vulnerability. For the Nuggets, the game presents both challenges and opportunities.#denver_nuggets #toronto_raptors #ball_arena #michael_malone #brandon_ingram
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray Scores Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater Against Utah Jazz Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray delivered a clutch performance in the final seconds of the game, hitting a buzzer-beater to secure a narrow victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Salt Lake City. The dramatic shot, which came with just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, sent the Nuggets' fans into a frenzy and marked a pivotal moment in the matchup. The game, part of the NBA regular season, saw both teams battle fiercely throughout the contest. The Jazz, known for their strong defense and fast-paced offense, kept the Nuggets in check for much of the game, but the Nuggets' ability to capitalize on key opportunities proved decisive. Murray, who had been a consistent threat from beyond the arc all season, stepped up in the clutch, showcasing his composure under pressure. The win extended the Nuggets' winning streak and bolstered their position in the Western Conference standings. Coach Michael Malone praised Murray's ability to rise to the occasion, noting that his late-game heroics were a testament to the team's resilience. "Jamal has been a game-changer for us all year, and tonight was no different," Malone said after the game. The Jazz, meanwhile, faced a tough loss but remained optimistic about their prospects for the remainder of the season. Utah's star player, Donovan Mitchell, acknowledged the Nuggets' execution in the final moments but emphasized that his team would regroup. "We gave ourselves a chance, and that's all we could ask for," Mitchell said. The matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses. For the Nuggets, Murray's buzzer-beater not only secured the win but also underscored his importance to the team's success.#denver_nuggets #donovan_mitchell #jamal_murray #utah_jazz #michael_malone
