Despite entering Chapel Hill just over a month ago, North Carolina Tar Heels’ head coach Michael Malone has assembled a roster that should make some noise in 2026.
While expectations are relatively low, North Carolina has the coaching and personnel to emerge as a surprise team in college basketball next season. The Tar Heels have made noise in the transfer portal and recruitment pool, constructing a compelling starting five. However, let’s take a deeper look at the bench and assess how each player in the second unit will make an impact for North Carolina in the 2026-27 college basketball campaign.
Maximo Adams
Adams was recruited under the previous regime, which raised doubts about his commitment, especially after Dylan Mingo decommitted from North Carolina shortly after former head coach Hubert Davis was dismissed. However, Adams met with Malone and decided to stay in Chapel Hill.
The 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward’s role on the team was up in the air until Tuesday, as Matt Able officially withdrew from the upcoming NBA Draft. If Able were to remain in the draft, Adams would have most likely been promoted to the starting lineup. Instead, Adams will come off the bench as a legitimate scorer, which makes him an even more dangerous asset…