UNC Targets Key Transfer Portal Names Under Malone

New Tar Heels coach Michael Malone has already begun pursuing multiple impact players in the transfer portal.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:00am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a college basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in shades of blue and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.North Carolina's aggressive pursuit of top transfer portal talent signals a new era of roster-building under coach Michael Malone.Fayetteville Today

With the roster in flux, North Carolina has already begun targeting multiple impact players in the transfer portal. New head coach Michael Malone wasted no time getting to work on the new roster and has reportedly made contact with many players, including Aiden Sherrell from Alabama, Terrence Brown from Utah, Christian Hammond from Santa Clara, Thomas Dowd from Troy, and Karter Knox from Arkansas.

Why it matters

The Tar Heels have several key roster spots to fill after the departure of players like Caleb Wilson to the NBA. Malone is quickly working to rebuild the team through the transfer portal, targeting high-impact players from both major and mid-major programs to bolster UNC's lineup for the upcoming season.

The details

Aiden Sherrell, the No. 10 player in the transfer portal according to 247Sports, averaged 11.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for Alabama last season. Terrence Brown, a combo guard, put up 19.9 points and 3.8 assists per game for Utah. Christian Hammond, a point guard, averaged 15.6 points for a solid Santa Clara team. Thomas Dowd, a 6'8" power forward, led Troy to a Sun Belt Championship while averaging 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds. Karter Knox, a wing player, has existing ties to new UNC assistant coach Chuck Martin from their time at Arkansas.

  • In March 2026, Aiden Sherrell entered the transfer portal with a 'Do Not Contact' tag, indicating he may already have his sights set on a new program.
  • In April 2026, new UNC head coach Michael Malone has reportedly reached out to all of these transfer portal targets.

The players

Aiden Sherrell

A forward from Alabama who averaged 11.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season. He is ranked as the No. 10 player in the transfer portal.

Terrence Brown

A combo guard from Utah who put up 19.9 points and 3.8 assists per game last season.

Christian Hammond

A point guard from Santa Clara who averaged 15.6 points per game for a solid mid-major program.

Thomas Dowd

A 6'8" power forward from Troy who led his team to a Sun Belt Championship while averaging 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds.

Karter Knox

A wing player from Arkansas who has existing ties to new UNC assistant coach Chuck Martin.

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What’s next

The Tar Heels will continue to pursue these transfer portal targets as they look to rebuild their roster under new head coach Michael Malone. Key decisions on which players to bring in will likely come in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

North Carolina is moving quickly to reshape its roster through the transfer portal, targeting high-impact players from both major and mid-major programs. This aggressive approach under new coach Michael Malone signals the Tar Heels' intent to quickly reload and compete at a high level in the upcoming season.