The UNC basketball program and Michael Malone are still looking for more frontcourt depth, mostly through the global market.
Although their search has been rather extensive, they have recently been connected to a player who, should he decide to play collegiate basketball this season, they may have an advantage over.
Neoklis Avdalas could help UNC lure in another international stud
Alexandros Samodurov, a Greek superstar, has been linked to North Carolina in numerous stories. In the podcast stream below, David Sisk of TarHeel247 discussed how UNC might be the favorite if the 6-foot-11 big man decides to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft class, citing a relationship with one of the newest Tar Heels, Neoklis Avdalas.
“First and foremost, same agents,” Sisk remarked. Second, Samodurov and Avdalas have a lengthy history dating back to their time spent together in Greece. When they were younger, they had even discussed playing together if they went to college or the professional ranks abroad. They still seem to be close friends.
A close friendship with Avdalas and the fact that both players are represented by the same agency appear to be two important factors in this recruitment.
Samodurov and Avdalas, who both played for the EuroLeague team in 2022–2023, are part of the Panathinaikos pipeline. They also met at Panathinaikos U18 when they were younger, so there is undoubtedly already a relationship between them on the court.
Can you imagine doing that in Chapel Hill?
Samodurov is characterized as a big forward with a great deal of versatility on both ends of the floor, in case you are new with his style of play. He isn’t a conventional stationary post player, which is advantageous given how college basketball has evolved recently. Big players need to be able to extend the floor and do more than just search for touches close to the basket.
Samodurov’s overall qualities are intriguing, especially considering how he might fit with the current team that Malone and his staff have put together. However, as is the case with most international prospects, he will need to gain strength and learn to play with more physicality.
Samodurov is a name to keep an eye on as the Tar Heels look to add at least one more big man to their roster for the next season.
