UNC Hires NBA Champion Michael Malone, Faces Immediate Transfer Turmoil
Key Takeaways
- UNC hires Michael Malone as men's basketball head coach, succeeding Hubert Davis.
- Former Nuggets coach who led 2023 NBA title joins UNC.
- Malone signs six-year, $50 million contract with UNC.
Historic Hire
North Carolina shocked the college basketball world by hiring NBA champion Michael Malone.
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.
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.
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