Michael Malone, UNC basketball staff overseas to scout recruits

Michael Malone is assembling his first roster for the 2026-27 North Carolina Tar Heels' basketball program. So far, Malone and his staff have retained a few players while adding through the transfer portal.

But North Carolina's biggest need remains at center after losing Henri Veesaar.

Despite landing a commitment on Monday , Malone and his staff are reportedly on the road overseas, hitting the recruiting trail for international prospects. Inside Carolina confirmed Malone and staff member Chuck Martin are heading to Spain to scout UNC targets Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Sayon Keita.

Both play for FC Barcelona, and both are on North Carolina's radar.

Malone's background includes 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