Nearly Half of North Carolina Tar Heels Roster Enters Transfer Portal After Malone Hire

Seven players have already announced plans to leave the program as new head coach Michael Malone looks to rebuild the roster.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in shades of light blue, navy blue, and white, depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes that abstractly represent a college basketball game or match, conveying the disruption and uncertainty surrounding the North Carolina program.The sudden exodus of North Carolina players from the Tar Heels' roster following a coaching change leaves the program in flux, requiring a rapid reconstruction effort.Chapel Hill Today

Just a day after news broke of Michael Malone's hiring as the new head coach of the North Carolina men's basketball team, nearly half of the Tar Heels' 16-man roster has already entered the transfer portal. Seven players, including the team's sixth man and two key reserves, have either officially entered the portal or made known their intentions to do so.

Why it matters

The mass exodus of players is an early challenge for Malone as he looks to rebuild the Tar Heels program. While some departures were likely expected, the loss of so much roster continuity and backcourt depth will force Malone and his staff to quickly work the transfer portal and recruiting trail to fill out the team.

The details

The seven Tar Heels players who have entered or plan to enter the transfer portal are: Derek Dixon (G, 22.3 mpg, 6.5 ppg), Kyan Evans (G), Elijah Powell (G), Jalen Finch (F), Jayden Forrest (F), Jamal Shead (G), and Zach Edey (C). Several of these players were key reserves for the Tar Heels last season, leaving North Carolina particularly thin in the backcourt.

  • The transfer portal officially opened at midnight on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Michael Malone was officially introduced as the new North Carolina head coach on April 8, 2026.

The players

Michael Malone

The newly hired head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team, taking over for the departed Hubert Davis.

Luka Bogavac

A junior guard who started 21 games for North Carolina last season and has announced his intention to remain with the program under Malone's leadership.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm excited to play for Coach Malone and be a part of the next chapter for North Carolina basketball.”

— Luka Bogavac, North Carolina Guard

What’s next

Malone and his staff will need to quickly work the transfer portal and recruiting trail to fill the roster vacancies left by the departing players. Retaining key returning players like Luka Bogavac will also be crucial for maintaining some continuity.

The takeaway

The mass exodus of nearly half the Tar Heels roster in the wake of Malone's hiring is an early challenge the new head coach must overcome. Rebuilding the roster through the transfer portal and recruiting will be a top priority as Malone looks to put his stamp on the program and return North Carolina to national prominence.