Michael Malone and the UNC basketball program continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes as they look to finalize the remaining spots on the roster for the 2026 to 2027 season.
The foundation is gradually coming together, not only in terms of player additions but also with key coaching hires being put in place. Since Malone’s arrival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina has made strong progress in shaping the program’s next era. However, there is still important work left to complete before the roster is fully set.
At this stage, finishing the roster remains the clear top priority for the staff.
At this point, there are three key remaining targets that the North Carolina Tar Heels are actively closing in on signing, and fans should be watching closely as the offseason continues to develop.
Alexandros Samodurov
Another major name linked to UNC is Alexandros Samodurov, a 6 foot 11 big man currently going through the NBA Draft process. Samodurov, who previously played alongside Neoklis Avdalas, is considered a strong potential fit for the Tar Heels if he ultimately chooses the college route for next season.
His game is built around versatility, which makes him especially valuable in the modern style of basketball. Rather than operating strictly as a traditional low post center, Samodurov can stretch the floor and contribute in multiple areas. That type of skill set has become increasingly important in today’s game, where big men are expected to defend, pass, and space the floor in addition to scoring inside.
With UNC still looking to strengthen its frontcourt depth, Samodurov stands out as one of the more appealing remaining options. If he withdraws from the NBA Draft, North Carolina is expected to aggressively pursue him and make a strong push to bring him to Chapel Hill.
Brice Dessert
While Brice Dessert has not generated quite as much buzz as the other two prospects, he remains a name worth monitoring as UNC continues exploring ways to reinforce its frontcourt rotation.
Dessert is an experienced big man who has already attracted interest from several prominent programs, including North Carolina. At the moment, the Tar Heels may not be in the lead for his services, but that situation could change depending on how other recruiting efforts unfold.
If other top targets do not materialize as hoped, UNC could make a late and determined push to secure Dessert’s commitment. His potential pairing with Sayon Keita would also give Michael Malone an intriguing combination of size, strength, and interior depth to work with moving forward.
Kevin Thomas
Another unexpected name to emerge on North Carolina’s recruiting radar is Kevin Thomas, a four star prospect who was previously committed to LSU. Thomas is now scheduled to make an official visit to Chapel Hill this week, a development that caught many observers off guard.
Before news of the visit surfaced, Thomas was not widely mentioned in connection with UNC, but there is growing intrigue around his potential fit. He is viewed as a developmental prospect who could grow into a valuable piece under Michael Malone and his staff.
Thomas brings valuable size and length, two traits that the Tar Heels are actively looking to add. Defensively, he shows promising instincts and the physical tools to become a strong presence on that end of the floor. Offensively, he has shown flashes of potential that suggest there is still untapped upside in his game. The coaching staff appears to believe he could be molded into a meaningful contributor over time, especially within a structured development system.
