Bring up the name Antawn Jamison among the North Carolina faithful, and eyes are going to light up. The same can be said when it comes to Michael Malone, as the future is looking bright for him ahead of his debut campaign with the Heels. As it turns out, Jamison played a major role in getting Malone to town after the tough decision was made to part ways with Hubert Davis.
In a new interview with The News & Observer, Jamison spoke with reporter Scott Fowler at length about how he's seeing things in Chapel Hill now that Malone has taken over. And with that, Jamison also let everyone know that new athletic director Steve Newmark tasked him with giving things a close look.
"UNC put together a panel of guys who went to Carolina," Jamison told Fowler. "Steve (Newmark) reached out to me and said, 'Look, we’re putting this board together; we want to get this coaching search done right. You have had some experience in the (NBA) front office.' Coach Malone’s name came up. And I was like, 'Steve, I had the opportunity to be coached under Coach Malone when I was in Cleveland when I got traded from the Wizards. This is when LeBron was LeBron. And some of the coaches kind of walked on eggshells when it came to LeBron. Not Coach Malone. He demanded that respect, and LeBron really paid it.'"
UNC legend Antawn Jamison is ready for Michael Malone to get the Heels back to a top level
Jamison went on to explain how he told Newmark that he sold Malone on the structure of the college game, which is now similar to that of an NBA organization, with a GM in place and a full staff. Malone was open to the idea, and the rest is history.
Why does this matter? Because if Jamison is putting his full trust in Malone to help the program become Carolina again, it's got to mean something. Jamison was an All-American for the Heels, taking home National Player of the Year honors in 1998. While he never won the natty while donning a UNC jersey, he helped power the Heels to two Final Four trips.
Younger UNC fans may not recall Jamison's playing days, but he and Vince Carter were a joy to watch, putting on a show nonstop. Now that he's retired, it's all about improving his game on the golf course, while doing what he can to help the Tar Heels turn things around.
Things simply didn't work with Davis in charge, and the first-round loss to VCU last season sealed his fate. A wide search took place to bring in a suitable replacement, and while the Malone hire shocked so many of us, he's been crushing things recruiting-wise, with UNC's roster being finalized following the addition of Cameron Fens. The Heels may not push for a national title next season, but it's all about showing major improvements on both ends. Jamison is confident that will be showcased, which is no question a good thing.
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