Projecting UNC Basketball's 2026-27 starting lineup

As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, the North Carolina Tar Heels have assembled a roster with new head coach Michael Malone. The team opens their campaign on November 2nd with a home game against Western Carolina. With a tough non-conference schedule, the starting lineup and rotation will be key in Malone's first season.

Point Guard: Terrence Brown, a top offseason addition from Utah, is expected to play a significant role as the starting point guard for the Tar Heels. Brown averaged 19.9 points and shot 45% during the last season.

Shooting Guard: Matt Able, a transfer from NC State, is projected to have a major impact. Able averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and shot 41.6% from the field, while also contributing from beyond the arc at 35.5%.

Guard: Neoklis Avdalas, another transfer pick, is known for his playmaking abilities. Last season, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 35% from the field. Avdalas is expected to fit well with the Tar Heels' offensive system.

Forward: Jarin Stevenson, a Chapel Hill native, returns for his second year with the Tar Heels. After spending his freshman year at Alabama, Stevenson will have a bigger role to fill this season.

Center: Sayon Keita, a freshman from Senegal, is a primary question mark for the team. Despite his potential, Keita faces a difficult situation due to the Tar Heels' limited depth at the center position.

Sixth Man: Maximo Adams, a prized recruit from the 2026 class, is expected to play a key role in his first season. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound freshman is already making an impression in practice.

Reserves: The rotation features several key reserves including Cade Bennerman, Isaiah Denis, Angelo Brizzi, Kevin Thomas, and Cameron Fens. The team's success in the latter stages of the season may hinge on the eligibility of Cameron Fens, who could potentially start at center if healthy. The depth of the reserves adds intrigue to the team's prospects for the upcoming season.