The first month of Michael Malone's tenure as the North Carolina Tar Heels' head coach has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least.

That is not an indictment on the 54-year-old head coach by any means. Malone was hired on April 6, less than 24 hours before the transfer portal officially opened . Landing the longtime NBA head coach was potentially the best available option for the Tar Heels, but the timing of the hire did put the program behind the eight-ball in pursuing marquee transfers. That being said, those circumstances did not prevent Malone and his staff from acquiring difference-making players.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

While North Carolina's transfer portal class has slid under the radar, its 2026 recruiting class has been viewed as one of the top groups.…