Malone’s father was architect of the Jordan Rules as Pistons assistant coach

The father of the man who will try to lead the new era of Carolina men’s basketball into greatness was the architect of a plan to stop the greatest player in program history. Michael Malone’s father, Brendan Malone, spent almost 30 seasons coaching in the NBA. As a Detroit Pistons assistant coach under Chuck Daly from 1988 to 1995, he helped devise one of basketball’s most famous defensive schemes.

Faith helped Kelly through tough season; he says stability should make offensive line better

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s offensive line rarely trotted out the same five linemen from game to game a year ago, causing a lack of continuity that left the unit searching for stability throughout the season. Center Christo Kelly experienced that instability from an unusual vantage point. The Holy Cross transfer arrived in Chapel Hill expecting to be a fixture up front, only to be limited to two games because of an injury that sidelined him.

Schools began trying to lure Abou Jaoude, Shipp with big money during last season

CHARLOTTE — There were plenty of schools that wanted to flash big money at defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude and wide receiver Jordan Shipp to lure them away from North Carolina. In both cases, the first contact from other schools came during the season, but they decided to remain loyal to UNC and try to turn the program around after a frustrating season.

Lopez talks about transfer decision, says he’s glad he played for Belichick

CHARLOTTE — Gio Lopez decided to move on from North Carolina after one season, but made it clear that he has no ill will toward Coach Bill Belichick. Now at Wake Forest, Lopez lamented that he wishes the Tar Heels had taken more advantage of his running ability during his season in Chapel Hill but said that his decision to transfer involved several factors.

Belichick says culture much better than it was entering last season

CHARLOTTE — It’s too early to tell if North Carolina will be better than last season, but Coach Bill Belichick said Friday morning at ACC Kickoff that the culture has already gotten better. Belichick pointed to the work players have put in since spring practice as the clearest sign of progress.

Deja Kelly’s WNBA goal within reach as her game evolves

GREENSBORO — Deja Kelly has played many times at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, but on Thursday she was in front of many screaming kids on camp day in the more intimate Novant Health Fieldhouse. “I feel good,” she said after her Charlotte Crown’s 85–75 victory over the Greensboro Groove. “It’s good to be out here playing. Good to be back in the state of North Carolina, so that’s always fun. This is a great league. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Renner sees growth ahead for UNC after tough 2025

Bryn Renner has seen North Carolina football from every angle imaginable: as a star quarterback in Kenan Stadium and now as a sideline reporter for the Tar Heel Sports Network. On Episode 3 of the “Tar Heel Tribune Podcast,” Renner offered a blunt but empathetic breakdown of what derailed the Tar Heels in 2025, the first season under Coach Bill Belichick, and why he believes better days are ahead in 2026.

ACC alters tiebreaking procedure for its football championship game

After Duke, rather than eventual College Football Playoff finalist Miami, advanced to the ACC title game, the league moved to revise how it breaks ties to better ensure the two most deserving teams reach the championship. Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the new policy Wednesday on the first day of ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. It takes effect with this season as the conference shifts to a nine‑game league schedule, emphasizes head‑to‑head results while also accounting for the fact that not every program will play the same number of conference games during the transition.