Florida Atlantic's Maxim Logue Commits to North Carolina Maxim Logue, a 6-9, 232-pound French-born forward, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina, adding depth to the Tar Heels' post rotation. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks the culmination of a two-year college career for Logue, who previously played for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and had previously competed for France’s national teams at the U16 European Challengers, U17 World Cup, and U18 European Championship levels. His commitment was first reported by analyst Jonathan Givony. Logue, who is 20 years old, brings a unique blend of physicality and shooting efficiency to UNC’s program. His college career at FAU saw him average 4.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game off the bench, while shooting 67.4% from the field. Despite missing nearly a month of the season due to a foot injury, Logue showcased his potential with standout performances, including a 16-point, 10-rebound, three-steal outing against Charlotte and a 15-point, eight-rebound game against St. Mary’s. FAU head coach John Jakus praised Logue’s physical gifts, comparing him to elite athletes he encountered during his coaching stints at Baylor and Gonzaga. “Maxim is as physically gifted as almost anybody I’ve been around,” Jakus said after Logue’s performance against Charlotte. “There’s some language barrier, there’s three injuries this year, there’s some growing pains, but at the tail end, there’s going to come a moment when somebody gets him where he fully knows English, fully has made the adjustment from France to America, and takes off. The year he gets healthy and all those things fall into place is probably going to be a special thing.” Logue’s college journey began at Oregon State, where he averaged 2.9 points and 2.#university_of_north_carolina #maxim_logue #florida_atlantic_university #john_jakus #jonathan_givony
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
No. 2 Men's Lacrosse Opens ACC Play Saturday Versus No. 3 Syracuse The University of North Carolina men’s lacrosse team will begin its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule on Saturday, April 4, as it hosts No. 3 Syracuse in a highly anticipated top-three matchup. The game, set for 2 p.m. at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, will be broadcast live on ESPNU. This matchup marks a significant opportunity for the Tar Heels to establish dominance in ACC play and continue their strong season. The game will also feature the annual “Dogs at Dorrance” event, which allows fans to bring their dogs to the game. Attendees with dogs must obtain tickets for each pet, with UNC students, faculty, and staff able to pick up complimentary dog-section tickets at the Dorrance Field ticket booth one hour before the game. Dogs will be seated in sections 19, 20, or 21, with strict rules requiring all pets to be on a 6-foot leash, fully vaccinated, and under the owner’s control. The event organizers emphasized that the game may be crowded and weather conditions could be warm, urging pet owners to ensure their animals are comfortable. The Tar Heels’ performance in recent weeks has positioned them as a formidable contender in the ACC. Following a 17-7 victory over third-ranked Harvard on Sunday, the team has demonstrated its ability to defeat top-tier opponents. In that game, Owen Duffy, a key player for UNC, recorded a career-high seven goals, while faceoff specialist Brady Wambach set a personal best with 22 faceoffs won, adding an assist and 12 ground balls. Freshman goalkeeper Josh Marcus made 11 saves, contributing to the team’s fifth ranked win of the season and its first victory over a top-three opponent. A win over Syracuse would have significant implications for UNC’s season.#university_of_north_carolina #syracuse #dorrance_field #brady_wambach #owen_duffy
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
WBB Faces Off Against No. 1 UConn In Sweet 16 Matchup In Fort Worth FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- The University of North Carolina Women’s Basketball team will face off against No. 1 seed UConn in a Sweet 16 matchup at Dickies Arena on Friday, marking the second consecutive season the Tar Heels have advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The game, set for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, will be the second meeting between the two teams in NCAA Tournament history, with the previous encounter occurring in the 1994 Elite 8. North Carolina, seeded No. 4, aims to reach the Elite 8 for the first time since 2014, while UConn, the defending national champion, enters the game with an undefeated record of 36-0. The Tar Heels, led by head coach Courtney Banghart, secured their spot in the Sweet 16 with victories over Western Illinois and Maryland. Key players Lanie Grant and Nyla Harris dominated the tournament, averaging over 15.5 points per game. Grant scored 20 points in the win against Maryland, while Harris posted a double-double in tournament action. A win against UConn would mark Carolina’s eighth Elite 8 appearance and its first since 2014. UConn, coached by Geno Auriemma, has remained undefeated since February 2025, extending its winning streak to 52 games. The Huskies’ star duo of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong leads the team, with Fudd averaging 3 triples per game at a 45.4% shooting rate and Strong tallying 18.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Huskies hold a 9-5 series advantage over Carolina, with their last two matchups at neutral sites resulting in victories. A Tar Heels win would end UConn’s seven-game winning streak against the program. North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run includes a 33rd overall appearance, marking its sixth consecutive season in the tournament.#university_of_north_carolina #uconn #geno_auriemma #courtney_banghart #dickies_arena
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
Charles Barkley Teases Kenny Smith After NBA Analyst's Illness Forces Replacement at NCAA Tournament Kenny Smith, a former NBA star and longtime college basketball analyst, was absent from NCAA Tournament coverage on Friday after his team, the University of North Carolina, suffered a shocking 82-78 loss to 11th-seeded VCU. The upset, which saw the Rams overcome a 19-point deficit, marked UNC’s first back-to-back exits in the round of 64 since 1985. Smith, a former Tar Heels standout, abruptly left the CBS studio following the defeat, sparking speculation about his emotional state. Fans and commentators joked that the loss might have been too much for him to handle, with one user quipping, “Is he under the weather or crying about the UNC loss?” Another remarked, “That’s funny. Kenny seemed fine when Siena was winning. What a pro!” However, the absence of Smith was not due to the loss itself. A day later, as the Round of 64 coverage began, fans noticed a significant change: two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery had replaced Smith on the main desk. Montgomery, who previously won titles with the Minnesota Lynx, is now a studio analyst for CBS’s WNBA coverage and also serves as an activist and part-owner of the Atlanta Dream. The switch prompted questions about Smith’s status, but the situation was clarified when host Adam Zucker announced that Smith had been unwell and shared a get-well message with viewers. Smith’s absence was attributed to illness, as he had taken ill during the Michigan-Howard game on Thursday. The incident marked the second broadcasting-related illness in the NCAA Tournament this year, following the case of play-by-play voice Brian Anderson. Anderson, who was noticeably hoarse during Tuesday’s First Four game between NC State and Texas, was replaced by Jason Benetti on CBS and TNT.#university_of_north_carolina #kenny_smith #charles_barkley #cbs #vcu
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
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
Tar Heels To Finish Regular Season Saturday Night At Duke The University of North Carolina men’s basketball team will conclude its regular season with a matchup against top-ranked Duke on Saturday night. The game, set for 6:35 p.m., will be broadcast on ESPN and Westwood One Sports, with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, and Kris Budden calling the action. The Tar Heels, currently ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press poll, are coming off a four-game winning streak and have secured at least a tie for fourth place in the ACC standings. With a 24-6 overall record and 12-5 in conference play, UNC has earned a double bye as the No. 4 seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament. The matchup against Duke marks the final regular-season game for the Tar Heels, who have won five of their last six contests without freshman forward Caleb Wilson, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. Wilson, who was injured at Miami on February 10, has missed games against Pitt, Syracuse, Louisville, Virginia Tech, and Clemson. Despite his absence, UNC has remained competitive, with senior guard Seth Trimble emerging as a key player. Trimble, who missed nine games earlier in the season due to a broken left arm, has been instrumental in UNC’s success, scoring a career-high 30 points in a recent win over Louisville and contributing 20 points in a victory over Virginia Tech. Duke, meanwhile, enters the game with a 28-2 record and a 16-1 ACC mark, having clinched its 22nd regular-season ACC title. The Blue Devils are the second-most successful team in ACC history behind UNC’s 33 titles. The Tar Heels have a storied history against Duke, including a 71-68 win in Chapel Hill on February 7, where Trimble hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining.#university_of_north_carolina #duke #dan_shulman #jay_bilas #kris_budden
