Kim English: From Friar Leader to Tar Heel Recruiter
UNC has added Kim English, former Providence head coach, as an assistant to Michael Malone’s revamped staff. English went 48-52 at Providence with one NIT appearance and previously led George Mason and served as an assistant at Tulsa, Colorado, and Tennessee. As a former second-round NBA pick and Power Conference coach, English’s recruiting ties and coaching savvy aim to smooth Malone’s transition into college basketball and rejuvenate UNC’s program.
Meanwhile, Chapel Hill fans are thrilled that Malone finally hired someone who can legally drive the team bus and knows at least eight names on the current roster. Rumor has it English brings Power Conference winning strategies and a secret stash of motivational midrange jumpers. If only he can also translate coach-speak into English, this might be UNC’s biggest offseason acquisition.
Heels Eye NFL Landing Spots for Draft Stars
North Carolina anticipates at least one draftee in the upcoming NFL Draft, spotlighting cornerback Marcus Allen for Seattle’s preference for big, physical defenders; kicker Rece Verhoff to shore up the Rams’ special teams; and Thaddeus Dixon as an ideal Cover 2 cornerback for the Falcons. Each prospect offers size, athleticism, and special-teams ability that could land them on NFL rosters.
In Seahawks land, they say size matters more than actual coverage skills, so Marcus Allen’s paws probably impressed someone in the draft room. Meanwhile, the Rams are scouting Rece Verhoff like he’s the chosen one destined to end their special teams curse—because a college kicker never misses, right? And Dixon…well, he’s ready to babysit deep routes in Atlanta, proving once again that college cornerbacks are like automotive airbags: you hope you never need them, but they make you feel better knowing they’re there.
Malone’s Master Plan: Assembling an All-Star Staff
After consecutive first-round NCAA exits, UNC hired Michael Malone to overhaul its men’s basketball staff. Malone prioritized global recruiting contacts and coaching excellence, bringing in Kim English from Providence and Chuck Martin, a top recruiter under John Calipari, alongside retained assistants Sean May, Pat Sullivan, and Eric Hoots. This blend of NBA insight, recruiting prowess, and continuity aims to reignite championship aspirations before the transfer portal closes.
UNC fans have been collecting assistant coaches like Pogs in the ’90s—each one clutched as a potential game-changer. Martin’s reputation for turning email chains into five-star commitments is legendary, while English brings that ‘I once coached a real NBA player’ aura. If they can just stop arguing over who gets the ‘office of actual basketball strategy’ to themselves, maybe Malone’s big-picture plan will score more points than a midnight portal scramble.
Tar Heels Secure Frontcourt Versatility with Stevenson
UNC retained forward Jarin Stevenson for his senior season under coach Michael Malone, after averaging career highs in points (8.1) and rebounds (4.4) in 2025, stepping up during a teammate’s injury. Alongside signing Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, retaining Stevenson provides roster stability and frontcourt versatility as UNC navigates departures in the transfer portal.
In an offseason twist rivaled only by your houseplant actually thriving, Jarin Stevenson stayed put rather than chasing free continental breakfast elsewhere. His decision saves UNC from scramble mode, even if it feels like negotiating with a teenager to stay home for summer break. At this rate, Stevenson may carve out a shrine in the locker room as the saint of roster continuity.
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