Here are the best players on the Tar Heels' 2026-27 roster.
Mar 27, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels logo on the video board during practice prior to NCAA Tournament at West Regional at Crypto.com Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images It has been a hectic first month in the Michael Malone era in Chapel Hill, as the North Carolina Tar Heels' roster resembles nothing like what it looked like last season. That being said, the Tar Heels' brass has constructed a roster capable of winning multiple games in the NCAA Tournament.
WithFeb 28, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images North Carolina's backcourt production was inconsistent at times last season, and with all of those players leaving the program this offseason, Malone needed a difference-making guard. The 6-foot-3, 174-pound guard's ability to score at will was not relevant in Chapel Hill in 2025.
Brown was one of North Carolina's top targets in the transfer portal, and his addition was groundbreaking for the program. Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the North Carolina Tar Heels logo on the shorts of forward Caleb Wilson during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The 7-foot center from Spain is a 5-star recruit and reclassified from the 2027 class to play immediately next season in Chapel Hill. Keita is a potential lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. Finding a center that will duplicate what Henri Veesaar accomplished last season is impossible, but the former Barcelona center's ability to dominate on defense will elevate North Carolina to another level.
Keita will need to refine his offensive game, but that will come with time. Feb 21, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas celebrates with fans after the game at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Imagesfor the Tar Heels next season. His ability to operate as a guard at 6-foot-9 and 216 pounds is something that should have North Carolina fans excited.
Avdalas will unlock several elements in this offense, including Brown's role off the ball. The Utah transfer will benefit from Avdalas orchestrating the offense. Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Stevenson was a key role player in 2025, and that will continue to be the case next season, with his experience and increased opportunity apparent. Malone has reportedly told people around the program that he envisions Stevenson as the Tar Heels' version of Aaron Gordon. The Alabama transfer took a leap last season when Caleb Wilson missed the final nine games of the season.
Serra's Maximo Adams looks to coaches as he runs down the court during the first quarter of their first-round CIF-SS playoff game at Indio High School in Indio, Calif. , Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. | Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK The 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward was a 4-star recruit in this year's class, and could develop into a secret weapon for the Tar Heels next season.
At the moment, I would assume Adams and Matt Able will battle for the starting forward position. If Adams opens the season off the bench, he could be one of the best role players in the country. Adams is an elite shot-creator who can score at all three levels off the dribble. Loading recommendations...
Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsLogan Lazarczyk is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Journalism. Logan joined our team with extensive experience, having previously written and worked for media entities such as USA Today and Union Broadcasting.
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