The 54-year-old head coach Michael Malone has put together an impressive group for North Carolina’s inaugural offseason.
Malone and his team have found a number of talented individuals who should cover significant gaps, even though they were formally introduced on the day the transfer portal window opened. The Tar Heels are still one or two pieces away from assembling a team capable of competing in crucial games towards the end of the season, though.
Sayon Keita’s signing with North Carolina earlier this offseason shows that Malone has been evaluating international prospects, but in order to take this team to the next level, the seasoned head coach should return his attention to the college ranks.
Shortly after Iowa State’s season concluded, Momcilovic joined the transfer portal and entered the 2026 NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility. Due to his current draft status, the junior forward, who was ranked #1 on the portal, is still available.
Throughout his undergraduate career, the 6-foot-7, 224-pound forward has consistently been an above-average three-point shooter, but Momcilovic was deadly from beyond the arc last season. The Iowa State transfer shot career-highs of 50.6 percent from the field and 48.7 percent from three-point range in 2025, averaging 16.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.
The Tar Heels’ three-point shooting was undoubtedly a weakness last season, and it was a major factor in their inability to overcome a significant disadvantage. Momcilovic would eliminate those problems on his own, but North Carolina has added players that should increase perimeter production.
The Tar Heels are not even close to the best teams in the country, despite Malone’s impressive roster upgrades that could have a significant impact next season. North Carolina would immediately go closer to that level of programs if Momcilovic were to sign.
What Tar Heels Would Look Like
With the exception of a huge deal like this one, North Carolina’s rotation is essentially fixed in stone and won’t change. That being said, the Tar Heels’ starting lineup would drastically change if Momcilovic decided to bring his skills to Chapel Hill instead of participating in the draft.
With Neoklis Avdalas, Terrence Brown, Momcilovic, Jarin Stevenson, and Sayon Keita completing the starting five, Matt Able would probably be benched. There are specific rumors that this is in the works, but Momcilovic is keeping his collegiate eligibility for a purpose. The question is whether the Tar Heels should make an offer for his services.
