Michael Malone, UNC basketball staff overseas to scout recruits
· Yahoo Sports
Michael Malone is still finalizing his first roster for the 2026-27 North Carolina Tar Heels' basketball program. So far, Malone and his staff have been able to retain a few players while also adding through the transfer portal.
But North Carolina's biggest need remains at center after losing Henri Veesaar.
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Despite landing a commitment on Monday, Malone and his staff are reportedly on the road overseas, hitting the recruiting trail for some international prospects. Inside Carolina confirms that Malone and staff member Chuck Martin are heading to Spain to scout a few UNC targets in Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Sayon Keita.
Both play for FC Barcelona, and both are on North Carolina's radar for an addition to the roster.
North Carolina head coach Michael Malone departed yesterday for a recruiting trip to Spain. He will be pursuing two primary targets ⬇️
— MaximoAdamsLover (@MaximoAdamsLovr) April 28, 2026
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje
(7-0, 230, C, 2027)
Sayon Keita
(7-0, 215, C, 2026)
(via Sherrell D. McMillan)
Malone's background includes international basketball in terms of him coaching and scouting talent overseas, which should eventually work in UNC's favor. Here, the Tar Heels are hoping to dip into that international pool and land a big-time center for their roster.
Will it pay off?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Michael Malone makes trip overseas to recruit