Locked On Tar Heels - Daily Podcast On North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball & Football

With Juke Harris officially off to Tennessee, the Matt Able decision suddenly looms very large for North Carolina. If he decides to stay in the draft, where will the Heels turn at the 2? Could it be someone like Vyctorious Miller from Oklahoma State? Could the Heels adjust and go after Milan Momcilovic if he pulls out of the NBA Draft?

Jon Rothstein said on Monday that only Duke and UConn are operating as Blue Bloods currently. This is Michael Malone's task immediately!

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you ne...

The search for a big man for UNC continues. Another place Carolina could turn is Luigi Suigo, a 7'3 Italian player who is currently in the NBA Draft.

The North Carolina Tar Heels head coach, Michael Malone, and assistant Chuck Martin were in Europe last week and landed Sayon Keita, but weren't able to get a commitment from Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje OR Momo Faye. Should Carolina be concerned? Is it worth continuing to wait on him?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make...

Transfer Matt Able (NC State) received an NBA Draft Combine invite and suddenly there's worry and concern that he will go to the NBA Draft instead of enrolling at Carolina. Is that real? Should there be concern?

If HE DOES go, where does Carolina turn at the 2?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to l...

North Carolina has already landed Sayon Keita from Mali. Just west is Senegal, the home of Momo Faye. Can Michael Malone land another big while he's over in Europe?

How would Faye's experience and age help bring along Keita as a tandem in UNC's frontcourt?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more a...

ACC football faces a seismic shift as talk of a 24-team College Football Playoff heats up. Is this massive expansion a win for the sport, or just a cash grab that threatens classic rivalries and dilutes the value of regular season matchups? The ACC Squad debates the true motivations behind playoff growth and spotlight the risk of losing college football’s unique intensity. UNC’s stunning fall continues as Bill Belichick’s regime fails to deliver—no Tar Heels picked in the NFL Draft, sparking questions about his fit and future in Chapel Hill. Shifting to basketball, Duke emerges as the c...

Michael Malone is working hard and fast to pivot following Henri Veesaar's decision to leave for the NBA. He's already gotten commitment from two different frontcourt players this week including the high upside of Sayon Keita. Can the staff pair a frontcourt starter-level player with Keita who complements his skill sets? Seems like France's Brice Dessert could be a great option in that regard.

Will UNC add any more backcourt pieces? If they do, what's more necesaary - a shooter or a distributor?

The NCAA Tournament is expected to expand. We need Coach Rob's thoughts...

UNC head coach Michael Malone has already locked down one teenage frontcourt player while in Spain. The question is - can he land another while he's there to go with Sayon Keita? But this time...it's an American: Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, a 16-year-old big man with loads of talent.

The question is: Can Coach Malone win him over a suddenly more interested Jon Scheyer? Can you pair two teenagers together in your frontcourt or is that just too much youth?

On another note - why in the world is the NCAA expanding the NCAA Tournament?

Michael Malone has moved fast to replace Henri Veesaar in the frontcourt, adding Sayon Keita and Cade Bennerman in back to back days. GREAT NEWS for the Tar Heels!

What's next?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: Locked On Tar Heels Everydayers Club!

Locke...

With Henri  Veesaar off to the NBA, the North Carolina Tar Heels are going to have to replace the Big Estonian at the center position. With not much left in the portal, the Tar Heels are almost certainly going to need to do so through International prospects. One such name is Sayon Keita, who visited Carolina last summer. Is he a good fit for what the Tar Heels need?

Additionally, it seems that the dream of Seth Trimble returning to Carolina is over. NCAA president Charlie Baker says that they plan to not allow graduating seniors to b...

North Carolina Tar Heels shore up their frontcourt with Northwestern transfer Cade Bennerman, but is he the key piece or just the beginning of a bigger roster overhaul? With Henri Veesaar’s NBA decision, fans wonder if Bennerman’s addition signals a changing strategy for the Tar Heels’ frontcourt depth.

Isaac Schade spotlights Bennerman’s potential as a developmental seven-footer, examining his athletic upside, need for added strength, and fit in Michael Malone’s system. Will Bennerman grow into a major contributor, or should Tar Heel Nation expect more big additions soon? The breakdown covers the evolving scholarshi...

Following Henri Veesaar's decision to enter the NBA Draft, North Carolina faces the (quite literal) tall task of replacing The Big Estonian. Unfortunately, there aren't many options left in the portal currently, and the 1 or 2 viable options are further down the road with other schools.

Will UNC look international? Will they wait on potential 5in5 returners?

It was an other ACC series victory for the Diamond Heels over the weekend, taking down rival Duke in Durham. Meanwhile, women's lacrosse secured their 8th ACC Tournament title in the last 10 Tournaments.

Join the L...

The North Carolina Diamond Heels take on Duke in Game 3 of the weekend series in Durham. Can the Heels win a 7th straight ACC series, and this time in a rivalry?

Caden Glauber, not Folger Boaz, gets the ball for Game 3.

Isaac Schade breaks it all down after the game

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most l...

The No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels are on the road in Durham for a weekend series against Duke. After a 3-1 victory in Game 1, thanks to a pitching gem from Jason DeCaro, can Ryan Lynch follow it up in Game 2 with one of his own? Can Carolina clinch the series on Friday evening?

Isaac Schade will be live postgame to unpack it all

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free aud...

UNC center Henri Veesaar has declared for the NBA Draft and INTENDS to stay in. UNC must pivot immediately and find a new center. The good news is that Carolina knows they can move on.

Where will Michael Malone and staff turn?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your t...

The NBA Draft Early Entry deadline is Friday night at 11:59PM ET and still we haven't heard any news about Henri Veesaar's NBA draft decision. Will he come back to UNC? Will he test the NBA draft waters? Will he enter the draft with no intetntion to come back?

The NCAA's new proposed 5-in-5 rule seems imminent. How will that affect Seth Trimble and other graduating seniors?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydaye...

North Carolina Diamond Heels are in Durham this weekend to play the struggling Duke Blue Devils. Can the Heels win yet another ACC series? Jason DeCaro threw a 3-hit gem, setting down 19 of 20 Blue Devils at one point and didn't allow a runner to reach 2nd base until the 8th inning. UNC did just enough offensively to get the lead, including Owen Hull's critical insurance RBI double in the top of the 9th.

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join th...

Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels score big in the transfer portal while player retention shakes up ACC basketball power rankings. Can newcomers Patrick Ngongba and John Blackwell push Duke past its March hurdles? With Michael Malone taking over at UNC, questions swirl about Louisville’s true potential and Miami’s status as FanDuel’s runaway ACC football favorite. Florida State Seminoles hand the starting quarterback job to Ashton Daniels, prompting heated debate over Mike Norvell’s strategy and the program’s future. Grayson Singleton, Kenton Gibbs, and Brian Smith break down the ripple effects of portal defections...

North Carolina Tar Heels shake up their backcourt with major transfer portal additions—who will make the biggest impact? Coach Bill Robinson and Isaac Schade break down the arrivals of Terrence Brown, Matt Able, and Neo Avdalas, debating which guard is set to define Michael Malone's first season at the helm. Does Carolina finally have the leadership and versatility needed to return to national prominence?

The hosts analyze Henri Veesaar’s looming NBA Draft decision and set the record straight on Field of 68’s reporting, while exploring Jarin Stevenson’s fit as starting power forward and whether UNC need...

The North Carolina Tar Heels had QUITE THE TUESDAY after a week of near silence - grabbing 3 commitments out of the transfer portal - Terrence Brown (Utah), Matt Able (NC State), & Maxim Logue (FAU). Two of those three are early projections to be in the starting lineup.  What does it mean for Carolina.

And after a busy day like this, the glaring hole is still at the center position - what's going on with Henri Veesaar? When will he make a decision? 

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you neve...

Matt Able becomes the second Carolina commit of Tuesday, and the crazy thing: He's coming over from NC State.  Able was a top 30 recruit coming out of HS and has a high ceiling. His commitment *probably* takes Carolina out of the Juke Harris race.

Carolina also got (surprisingly) a third portal commitment on Tuesday in the form of FAU transfer Maxim Logue, a 6'9, bruising forward from Lyon, France. He should add nice depth to the Carolina frontcourt.

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s ...

North Carolina has received the second transfer portal commitment of the Michael Malone era. Terrence Brown, from Utah, comes in with 1 year of eligibility - a 6'3 G that scored just shy of 20ppg last year for the Utes. How does he fit with the roster and what's next for Coach Malone? 
 

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal f...

On3's Pete Nakos reported on Monday that Seth Trimble is entering the transfer portal despite not having any remaining eligibility. WHAT GIVES? Is Seth really leaving the Tar Heels? Will he even be able to play next season? Why the Do Not Contact tag? Is this a pipe dream or is there legitimacy to Seth being able to play college basketball again?

TarHeel247's Andrew Jones had an exclusive interview with Seth to lay out the reasoning. But does it make sense for Seth? Does it make sense for Michael Malone and the Heels?

...

Less than a week into getting going with North Carolina, ESPN's Pete Thamel is reporting that former Providence head coach Kim English will NOT be joining Michael Malone's staff as an assistant after all.

Tennessee picked up another back-court commit on Sunday - is it instructive in the Juke Harris pursuit?

Where are things at with Carolina and the potential NC State transfers? PLUS Isaac Schade takes us through the weekend whiparound!

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it...

North Carolina has already clinched the weekend series vs. No. 2 Georgia Tech, including a run-rule walk-off on Saturday. Can Scott Forbes' crew complete the sweep on Sunday afternoon with Folger Boaz on the mound?

Can the boys get off to another hot start? 

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join yo...

UNC Diamond Heels are looking to hand No. 2 Georgia Tech their first series loss OF THE SEASON with a win on Saturday. Can Ryan Lynch follow up DeCaro's great start from Friday night with one of his own?

Can the Carolina offense continue to deliver while holding the potent GT offense at bay?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our...

Isaiah Denis becomes the 2nd Tar Heel to pull out of the transfer portal and return to UNC in this cycle, joining Jaydon Young. This is GREAT for continuity!

Meanwhile Kyan Evans has committed to Minnesota.

What's next? Carolina needs to get back Henri Veesaar and start landing portal players!

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most l...

The No. 3 Diamond Heels host No. 2 Georgia Tech for the 1st of a 3-game series for dominance of the ACC. Jason DeCaro takes the mound for Carolina vs. GT ace Tate McKee.

Can Carolina hold the potent GT lineup at bay? Can the Heels grab the all-important first game of the series?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most l...

Why hasn't North Carolina landed any more portal commitments beyond Neo Avdalas? What's the hold up? Is "no news" a good thing or a bad thing?

Who should Carolina be focusing on in the portal right now?

How has the Michael Malone news settled in for Riley Davis?

Buckle up for a MASSIVE series for the Diamond Heels this weekend!

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and ge...

The North Carolina Tar Heels need shooting. One of the best shooters in the portal is... a NC State Wolfpack player. Inside Carolina reports that Michael Malone has had an initial conversation with Paul McNeil. Is this the year that a Wolfpack player comes from Raleigh to Chapel Hill??

What should Henri Veesaar do?

What's gonna happen at the PG position for Carolina?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad...

Monday saw a FLURRY of activity for North Carolina with Neo Avdalas committing, Jarin Stevenson returning, Kim English joining the staff, Dylan Mingo & UNC parting ways, Derek Dixon & Luka Bogavac committing elsewhere, & Caleb Wilson officially officially declaring for the NBA.

What did we learn about Michael Malone from these moves? Were they the right moves? Which was the most impactful?

What else is needed as the roster takes shape? 

BRENDAN MARKS ARTICLE REFERENCED IN THE SHOW:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7198289/2026/04/15/college-basketball-transfer-portal-roster-cost-2026/?source=emp_shared_article

Join th...

NOTE: At the time of this live recording, intel suggested that Isaiah Denis was confirmed BACK for UNC. That turns out to not be true currently. More to come!

Virginia Tech transfer Neo Avdalas becomes the FIRST portal commit of the Michael Malone era at North Carolina. The 6'9 guard from Greece comes with 3 years of eligibility.

Jarin Stevenson is coming back to Carolian for his senior year! He should fit wonderfully into Malone's system.

Former Providence head coach Kim English becomes the 4th assistant coach hired to Michael Malone's staff.

Michael Malone and his staff met with Juke Harris on Sunday. Can he lure the Demon Deacon away from what seemed like a sure-fire commitment to Michigan?

Carolina is in the mix for multiple other players. Who can they land?

Terrence Brown from Utah visits on Monday!

Neo Avdalas from Virginia Tech?

Jalen Haralson from Notre Dame?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free aud...

This weekend has seen a TON of portal movement for UNC. Luka Bogavac had initially indicated he wanted to return to UNC, but Saturday declared he'll enter the portal. Jonathan Powell becomes the first Tar Heel to commit elsewhere - announcing for Pitt on Saturday. Also - Jaydon Young is the first Tar Heel to enter the portal and re-commit to Michael Malone.

Great news! Freshman Maximo Adams is keeping his UNC commitment!

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it offi...

It had been rumored that new UNC head coach Michael Malone intends to keep both Pat Sullivan and Sean May on his staff. TarHeel247's Andrew Jones reports that multiple sources have confirmed that this is indeed the case. Is this a smart move by Coach Malone to keep some Tar Heel DNA on his staff?

Jones reports that Coach Malone is also maintaining Eric Hoots, which will certainly help continuity to former players. Carolina alum & 2005 National Champion Jesse Holley weighs in with his reasons. Holley also shares his thoughts on the Michael Malone hire. Is this...

North Carolina Tar Heels land a powerhouse head coach as Michael Malone takes the reins—will his passionate, tough-minded approach return UNC to national title contention? Tyler Hansbrough breaks down why Malone tops his wish list, highlighting the coach’s unmatchable basketball knowledge and fiery leadership style reminiscent of Roy Williams’ glory years.

Host Isaac Schade and Hansbrough analyze UNC’s urgent roster construction, the transfer portal’s impact, and which core players like Henri Veesaar, Jarin Stevenson, and Derek Dixon could thrive under Malone’s system. Recruiting strategies, key staff hires, and expectations for an immediate turnaround c...

Jon Rothstein reported that new UNC head coach Michael Malone is hiring Arkansas' assistant Chuck Martin to be his Associate Head Coach. The two worked together at Manhattan. Under Coach Cal, Martin has been a critical part of the high-level recruiting classes the Hogs have brought in.

Coach Rob shares his thoughts on the Michael Malone hire as well as sharing his experiences at Indianapolis at the #FinalFour.

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Every...

North Carolina has officially announced Michael Malone as the successor to Hubert Davis, the 20th head coach in program history. UNC held a press conference on Tuesday evening to introduce Coach Malone, with multiple current and former Tar Heels in attendance, including Roy Williams.

Did Coach "win the press conference"? Josh Marlow was in attendance and shares his thoughts.

PLUS - 7 Tar Heels have entered the portal - will any of them return??

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make...

On Monday, the news broke that North Carolina plans to hire former Nuggets head coach and NBA Champion head coach Michael Malone. The QUESTION: Will it work? Or is this another version of Carolina hiring Bill Belichick? Multiple Tar Heels announced their intention to enter the transfer portal on Monday - will they stay in?

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our...

News broke on Monday afternoon that North Carolina INTENDS to hire former Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, whose daughter is a volleyball player at Carolina. Malone is an NBA CHAMPION head coach, having won with the Nuggets in 2023. When will the announcement be official? What does this mean in the short and long term? Isaac Schade goes live to unpack it all.

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-onl...

Tommy Lloyd announced on Friday that he's staying at Arizona.

Dusty May announced on Sunday that he's staying at Michigan.

With UNC's two primary college coaches off the board, where do they turn now?

The full expectation is Chicago Bulls coach & former Florida Gators' coach Billy Donovan.

Freshman Isaiah Denis announced on Sunday his intention to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Tuesday.

Join the Locked On Tar Heels Everydayer Club!!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join th...