The UNC basketball roster is undergoing significant changes following the hiring of new head coach Michael Malone on April 6, 2026. As of April 11, 2026, seven players from the 2025-26 squad have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Outgoing Transfers
The following players have entered the portal, though some have left the door open for a potential return depending on their fit with Coach Malone:
| Player | Position | 2025-26 Key Stats / Notes | Portal Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derek Dixon | G | 6.5 PPG, 2.7 APG; team-best 81.8% FT | Open to return |
| Jonathan Powell | G/F | Rotational regular; former West Virginia transfer | Open to return |
| Isaiah Denis | G | Freshman; limited to 10 games | Open to return |
| Zayden High | F | 8.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG in final 7 games of season | Likely leaving |
| Kyan Evans | G | Started season at PG; later demoted to reserve | Likely leaving |
| Jaydon Young | G | Appeared in 31 games; 1.8 PPG | Likely leaving |
| James Brown | C | Soph.; limited to 9 games due to foot surgery | Likely leaving |
Note: Other departures include Caleb Wilson (NBA Draft) and Seth Trimble and Elijah Davis, who exhausted their eligibility.
Potential Additions & Targets
While UNC has not officially signed any transfer commits yet, the staff has reached out to several high-profile targets: [2, 3, 9]
- Aiden Sherrell (C, Alabama): A top SEC big man and primary target for Malone.
- Terrence Brown (CG, Utah): Scheduled to visit the UNC campus on April 13th.
- Other Interests: Karter Knox (Arkansas), Thomas Dowd (Troy), Christian Hammonds (Santa Clara), and Bryce Lindsay (Villanova).
Retained & Incoming Talent
- Retained: Guard Luka Bogavac was the first player to officially announce he is staying in Chapel Hill. Forwards Jarin Stevenson and Henri Veesaar are also currently listed on the updated 2026-27 roster.
- Incoming Recruits: UNC holds the No. 7 overall 2026 class, featuring 5-star guards Dylan Mingo and Maximo Adams.
The transfer portal window remains open until April 21, 2026.