Michael Malone sends ‘proud’ debut message to North Carolina basketball fans

With the North Carolina basketball program hiring Michael Malone as the new head coach, there was no doubt an immense reaction from the sports world. As the stunning hire from the North Carolina basketball team of Malone has been surprising for many, the coach would break his silence on how he feels about the next step in his career.

Speaking for the first time since being hired by the Tar Heels to be its next head coach, Makone would say how enthusiastic he is to be on campus. Plus, he said at the end how “proud” he is to now be a member of the school.

“Coach Malone here, and just want to tell everybody, I am so excited to be here, finally on campus, cannot wait to get to work with everybody. Get to know everybody. And most importantly, I’m proud to be a Tar Heel,” Malone said, via the school’s X, formerly Twitter, page.

"Proud to be a Tar Heel." -Coach Malone pic.twitter.com/6rUH8nudml

— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 7, 2026

Malone has major head coaching experience at the NBA level, last being with the Denver Nuggets, where he won a championship in 2023. Having never been a head coach at the collegiate level, it’ll be a new journey for Malone.

“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach…It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill. I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball,” Malone said in a statement.

At any rate, fans will be excited to see how Malone coaches the North Carolina basketball team, hoping to further improve after a 24-9 record.

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