While there are some people who don't think North Carolina and Hubert Davis will be able to make much noise in the NCAA Tournament, don't let that take away from the fact that the future is bright for this team. Dylan Mingo, Maximo Adams and Malloy Smith are Chapel Hill-bound for next season, with Mingo and Adams being 5-star talents per the 247Sports Composite.
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Before he does make the move to North Carolina from California, Adams is going to have some extra confidence in knowing he just picked up another big-time honor. That's because the 2025-26 Naismith All-Americans were announced for the high school level, and Adams took home Honorable Mention honors:
Stars of the future
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) March 16, 2026
Check out our @jerseymikes Naismith Boys’ High School All-America Honorable Mentions and Underclassman Honorable Mentions! pic.twitter.com/uWcZoJjpVg
UNC signee Maximo Adams was named an honorable mention for the Naismith All-American honors
This adds to the recent good news for Adams, as his high school team won a state title too. Unfortunately for Adams, he suffered an ankle injury in that win for Sierra Canyon High, which forced him to watch a good chunk of the game from the bench.
He was spotted on crutches and there hasn't been a new injury update made public yet. Luckily, it doesn't appear to be a serious injury for the high school senior, but we're still awaiting an official word there. Still, a state title win and honorable mention All-American honor is something to be fired up about.
There's plenty of excitement surrounding him and Mingo, as the two are the headliners for the 2026 class. Things will only get better for the Tar Heels once the transfer portal opens, as the expectation is Davis and Co. will be active in trying to attract top targets.
With Caleb Wilson, barring a shocker, set to leave for the NBA Draft, UNC will need to reload and make up for his loss. However, the pieces are already being put in place and there's reason to believe next campaign will be one to remember. First, let's see what the Tar Heels can get done in the Big Dance this time around, as VCU is coming up next.