CHAPEL HILL — For the first time in nearly 74 years, UNC basketball will be led by a coach from outside of the "Carolina Family." First-year coach Michael Malone, who won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets and spent a quarter-century in the NBA, makes his debut as leader of the Tar Heels in the 2026-27 season opener against Western Carolina.Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Roy Williams Court at the Smith Center. UNC has 11 newcomers around three scholarship returners in Jarin Stevenson, Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis. In addition to Stevenson, Utah transfer Terrence Brown, N.C. State transfer Matt Able, Virginia Tech transfer Neo Avdalas and freshman center Sayon Keita are the projected starters. BIGGEST QUESTIONS: UNC basketball escapes exhibition scare, but bigger questions remain for Michael MaloneUNC is 2-0 against Western Carolina, which is led by third-year coach Tim Craft and features former Tar Heel forward Jackson Simmons as an assistant coach. The Catamounts have four returners and eight additions via the transfer portal. UNC vs Western Carolina score1H2HOTScoreWestern CarolinaUNC.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
UNC basketball vs Western Carolina score, live updates, highlights, TV channel
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The Fayetteville ObserverBy The Fayetteville ObserverEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It's UNC basketball vs. Western Carolina to tip off the Michael Malone era in Chapel Hill. Follow live score updates, highlights and analysis from the Smith Center.
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- UNC basketball vs Western Carolina score, live updates, highlights, TV channel.
- It's UNC basketball vs.
- Western Carolina to tip off the Michael Malone era in Chapel Hill.
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