Maximo Adams could be the overlooked secret weapon for Michael Malone, UNC

The 2026 EYBL circuit is underway, and as the 2026 class is preparing to begin their collegiate careers, highlights from last year’s EYBL sessions have circulated on social media. That includes clips of Maximo Adams 38-point, 17-rebound performance for Vegas Elite against five-star Jordan Smith Jr. last May. 

Lost in the Dylan Mingo de-commitment and transfer portal drama is the fact that Adams, who stayed in the UNC class through the transition from Hubert Davis to Michael Malone, could be an immediate contributor for the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-7 score-first wing fits perfectly into Malone’s vision for UNC, but he’s been overlooked in many of the lukewarm evaluations of UNC’s 2026-27 outlook. 

Maximo Adams is the big-bodied wing scorer UNC needs off the bench

While Malone isn’t done recruiting overseas, the Sayon Keita signing seemed to finalize the Tar Heels’ starting five. Terrence Brown and Matt Able in the backcourt, Neoklis Avadalas on the wing, Jarin Stevenson at the four, and Keita holding down the center spot. That leaves Adams to come off the bench, but as an on-ball scorer capable of getting his own shot off the dribble, that’s a perfect role for him early on. 

Malone’s roster has flaws. UNC will have a difficult time matching more physical teams blow for blow, and there are real backcourt questions behind Brown. However, his vision is clear. Malone has built a team of lengthy playmakers designed to have positional size all over the floor, and every player 1-4 capable of creating their own shot and handling in transition or the half-court. 

Adams fits that identity to a T. Not the greatest athlete, he uses his long strides to carve out driving lanes to the basket, his crisp footwork to create space in the post, and a tight handle to get to his mid-range jumper. With his shooting ability, he can play up and down the lineup offensively, which will enable Malone to play some supersized lineups with Avdalas as his point forward and five players 6-foot-6 and up. 

Brown, Avdalas, and Able were all sold transfer pickups, but UNC didn’t make the huge splash with a Juke Harris or one of the other top names on the market. That, along with the Mingo de-commitment, which was a mutual parting and a good move for Malone with Mingo’s injury risk, has tempered expectations. UNC even fell out of Jeff Borzello’s way-too-early Top 25 for next season. 

Many assessments of this roster seem to project very little impact from Adams, but as a sparkplug scorer off the bench, he could be a key contributor. That’s not to say UNC is ready to make a Final Four run, but if Adams hits, the Tar Heels could be a lot closer to title contention in the ACC.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow