Months ago, shortly after Michael Malone was hired as the next head coach for North Carolina, 5-star commit Dylan Mingo decommitted from the Tar Heels.
While it wasn’t entirely surprising, it definitely hurt to see the Heels’ highest-rated recruit decide to leave. Now, looking back, and with the Tar Heels’ 2026 roster finally set, it may not have been a bad thing at all for North Carolina and Michael Malone.
Malone Found His Own Talent
Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) goes to the basket against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On the same day that Mingo announced his decommitment, the Tar Heels landed a commitment from Neoklis Avdalas. It was a commitment that marked Michael Malone’s first significant move as head coach and seemed like an obvious replacement for the 5-star point guard’s departure.
As we all know, Utah’s Terrence Brown committed shortly after, as did NC State’s Matt Able, giving a brand new look to the Tar Heels’ backcourt.
Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) brings the ball up the court in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As the offseason rages on, one question plenty of Tar Heels fans have is whether or not this team can have a successful year one with so many moving parts.
It’s a very valid question. The entire projected starting lineup for the Heels has never played a single minute of basketball together, and a brand-new staff doesn’t help that cohesiveness.
Why Losing Mingo Could Be Beneficial Overall
Mar 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone following a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
However, what the Tar Heels lack in chemistry and continuity, they make up for in experience. As we know, Michael Malone comes to the Heels with tons of coaching experience, most notably at a higher level.
Within the starting roster, just about everyone has had multiple years of college basketball. Brown and Jarin Stevenson will both enter their fourth season of college basketball. Recent addition Cameron Fens will enter his fifth season, and Avdalas and Able both have a year under their belt.
Feb 28, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jaydon Young (4) with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies guard Jaden Schutt (2) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Even some of the depth pieces in the backcourt have valuable experience. Jaydon Young enters his fourth college basketball season, and Isaiah Denis returns for his second with the Heels.
While Mingo may have been an excellent player, bringing in an inexperienced freshman and throwing him in a starting lineup with this many moving pieces may not have been the best idea.
Allowing experienced players to take the reins in Malone’s first season may make things easier on just about everyone. Overall, it may have been a blessing in disguise because without it, we don’t know who the Tar Heels would have been able to land in the portal.
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