UNC and Michael Malone must pounce with a former Heel suddenly available in transfer portal

Michael Malone and the UNC basketball program have been looking to add some depth in the frontcourt to solidify the roster for the 2026-2027 season.

If there's one "knock" on this new-look Tar Heel roster, it's the question mark at center that draws the most attention.

UNC did add some pieces at this position, most notably Sayon Keita (who hasn't arrived on campus) and Alexandros Samodurov, but neither is a big bruiser-type center. At this point in the offseason, quality big men are tough to find, but one intriguing option might've just fell out of the sky for Malone and his staff to explore.

Anyone up for a reunion?!

Jalen Washington granted an injunction to play during the 2026-2027 season

Major news surfaced on Friday afternoon as former Tar Heel Jalen Washington, along with a handful of other players vying for an additional year of eligibility under the NCAA's new "5 for 5 rule," has been granted an injunction. This will allow Washington to play during the 2026-2027 college basketball season.

Now, it's possible that Washington could elect to return to Vanderbilt for this additional year of eligibility. However, Michael Malone should already be on the phone, gauging if there's even the slightest bit of interest from Washington about potentially reuniting with the school he graduated with his undergraduate degree from.

Why does it make sense, you ask?

For starters, you know what you're getting from Washington. He's a hard-working individual who has gotten better throughout his collegiate career. His three seasons at UNC were hampered by injuries and lack of playing time, mostly due to the fact that North Carolina had a guy named Armando Bacot clogging up most of the minutes at the center position during that span.

Throughout his collegiate career, Washington has predominantly been utilized as a reserve. Could the chance to return "home" with the opportunity to compete for a starting job make him consider transferring back to UNC?

In addition, Washington has filled out his frame a bit, as he's listed at 6-foot-10, 245 pounds on his official bio on Vanderbilt's website. While he is also a slimmer big in his own right, he by far would be UNC's biggest body in terms of weight among the center position, providing another capable body who can get physical down low while also offering the ability to stretch the floor as well.

UNC 5-star Sayon Keita update finally takes worst-case scenario off the table

This pairing seems too good to be true. Of course, there are reasons Washington transferred in the first place, but it is still worth a call from Malone to see if he would be interested in coming back. The current situation in Chapel Hill, one that is much different than the one he left after the 2024-2025 season, could be enticing, especially with a proven NBA championship head coach now at the helm at North Carolina.

It could be a long shot, but Jalen Washington would be the perfect fit for what Malone and his staff are looking for to complete this year's roster.

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