Michael Malone’s Shaky Start: Western Carolina Win Leaves North Carolina Questions
A narrow opening-night win
North Carolina began Malone’s time with the Tar Heels by beating Western Carolina 80-72. The result was less comfortable than the score might suggest, with the game remaining close.
Malone arrived after coaching the Denver Nuggets and winning an NBA championship. His hiring was among the offseason’s notable coaching changes.
A tougher schedule ahead
The Tar Heels’ schedule intensifies quickly. Georgia is set to visit on Nov. 13, followed by matchups against No. 12 Arkansas and No. 23 Kentucky. North Carolina will need stronger performances against those opponents to avoid an embarrassing start to the season, the report said.
Change after Davis’s firing
Hubert Davis was fired in March despite leading North Carolina to deep NCAA Tournament runs in 2022 and 2024. The school then turned to Malone, whose success came at the NBA level. The opening win gives Malone a first result, but the upcoming games will offer an early measure of how the team responds to a more demanding challenge.
Key points
- Michael Malone began his North Carolina tenure with an 80-72 win over Western Carolina.
- The game was closer than the final score indicated.
- Georgia visits Nov. 13, with No. 12 Arkansas and No. 23 Kentucky also ahead.
- Hubert Davis was fired in March after deep NCAA Tournament runs in 2022 and 2024.