UNC Lands Commitment from Son of Tar Heels Legend Kenny Smith

Malloy Smith, a 6-5 guard from California, signs with North Carolina basketball.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy blue, powder blue, and bright orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The signing of Malloy Smith, son of Tar Heels legend Kenny Smith, adds another chapter to North Carolina's storied basketball legacy.Santa Ana Today

The University of North Carolina men's basketball program has signed Malloy Smith, the son of former Tar Heels star and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Malloy Smith, an unranked high school prospect from Mater Dei in California, will look to follow in his father's footsteps and make an impact for the Tar Heels.

Why it matters

The signing of Malloy Smith continues North Carolina's tradition of bringing in talented players with strong family ties to the program. Kenny Smith was a standout player for the Tar Heels in the 1980s before going on to win two NBA titles and become an Emmy-winning broadcaster. Malloy will have big shoes to fill, but the opportunity to play for his father's alma mater is an exciting one.

The details

Malloy Smith, a 6-5 guard from Encino, California, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of North Carolina. Smith attends Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and is the son of former Tar Heels star and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Malloy's brother, K.J., also played three seasons for UNC from 2018-21.

  • Malloy Smith signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Malloy Smith

A 6-5 guard from Encino, California who attends Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. He is the son of former UNC star and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith.

Kenny Smith

A former standout player for the University of North Carolina from 1983-87, where he was a consensus first-team All-American and two-time All-ACC selection. He went on to win two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and is now an Emmy-winning broadcaster.

K.J. Smith

Malloy Smith's brother, who played three seasons for the University of North Carolina basketball team from 2018-21.

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What they’re saying

“'Malloy Smith, a 6-5 guard from Encino, Calif., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of North Carolina and play men's basketball for the Tar Heels.'”

— TarHeel247 Sports

What’s next

Malloy Smith will join the North Carolina basketball program for the 2026-27 season, where he will look to make an immediate impact and continue his family's legacy with the Tar Heels.

The takeaway

The signing of Malloy Smith, the son of UNC legend Kenny Smith, is an exciting addition for the Tar Heels basketball program. Malloy will have big shoes to fill, but the opportunity to play for his father's alma mater and continue the family's legacy is a unique and compelling storyline for North Carolina fans.