Michael Malone describes chaotic start to UNC tenure, Roy Williams' influence and making fanbase proud.
About this episode
Michael Malone discusses his journey to becoming the head coach of North Carolina and the challenges he faces in leading the team.
Jon Rothstein sits down with new North Carolina head coach Michael Malone on Inside College Basketball Now for a wide-ranging conversation about his path to Chapel Hill and the challenge of leading one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Malone looks back on coaching at Providence in the 1990s, reflects on the whirlwind four months that led him to UNC, and discusses what it means to take over the Tar Heels despite coming from outside the Carolina family. He also details his relationship with legendary UNC coach Roy Williams and explains why he initially turned down the job three different times. Plus, Malone breaks down the differences between talent in the NBA and college basketball, shares his approach to balancing the transfer portal with high school recruiting, previews North Carolina’s 2026-27 roster, and lays out his expectations for Year 1 in Chapel Hill.
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