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Historic Hire
North Carolina shocked the college basketball world by hiring NBA champion Michael Malone.
“Malone was embraced as a member of the Carolina family”
He received a six-year, $50 million contract despite never having been a college head coach.
Malone is a 20-year NBA veteran with 510 career wins and a 2023 title.
He said he wanted to be part of something much bigger than himself.
Transfer Portal Madness
The transfer portal opened the day after Malone was hired, triggering a mass exodus.
Four players entered the portal including promising freshmen.
Dixon entered with the option to return.
Malone's top priority will be to salvage the roster.
Immediate Challenges
Malone will need to build credibility with players and recruits.
“Malone's top priority needs to be finding a way to keep Henri Veesaar on campus”
The Fayetteville Observer outlined a to-do list including keeping Henri Veesaar.
Krzyzewski cautioned there will be a learning curve transitioning from the NBA to college.
UNC is facing heightened expectations after hiring two pro coaches in two years.