There are still some pieces left for Michael Malone and UNC to put together for the 2026-27 roster, which is why the latest news sure has people talking. In case you missed it, former LSU commit Kevin Thomas is taking an official visit to North Carolina.
This felt like it came in from out of nowhere, as the majority of Malone's recruiting efforts have been centered around overseas targets, of course including big men. However, Thomas is still looking for a new home and he's got a ton of potential. Could this lead to a quick decision from him?
That's what the UNC faithful are now hoping for, as he's making his way to Chapel Hill to check out the facilities and to meet with the new staff. According to 247Sports' David Sisk, his sources are telling him that the Heels are in a good spot for the 6-6, 195-pounder. So, could he end up committing sooner rather than later?
UNC and Michael Malone are hoping to land SF Kevin Thomas during his official visit
The rest of the story is behind a VIP paywall, but Keeping It Heel's Nick Delahanty confirmed the visit news as soon as that update dropped. Thomas sure is an intriguing prospect, as he's ranked four stars, the No. 35 small forward in the country and No. 90 player overall for the 2026 class.
Throughout his recruitment, he picked up 13 offers, which included him taking official visits to LSU, Florida State, Miami and Auburn. Now, he's taking his fifth visit to UNC, with Malone indeed hoping to get things done quickly.
Thomas originally was going to be Baton Rouge-bound for his college career, but not long after Matt McMahon was let go by the Tigers, Thomas opened up his recruitment and decided to give other schools a look. LSU has since hired Will Wade, but it doesn't look like the two sides are going to reunite.
This might lead to some good news for the Tar Heels, as Malone still has plenty of work to do to get this roster in strong shape for next campaign. The majority of the way-too-early Top 25 rankings for next season have the Tar Heels on the outside looking in - losing Henri Veesaar to the NBA Draft surely had an impact on things there.
Is Thomas going to be a superstar in Year 1 and change the narrative for Malone? Absolutely not, but he shot 44 percent from 3-point land last season as a high school senior playing his ball for Sagemont Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This kid can bury shots from all over the hardwood, which could make a difference coming off the bench for Malone and Co.
We'll see how things go with Thomas during his official visit, but if all goes to plan, he'll give Malone and the Tar Heels the news they're hoping for. There's always the chance another team jumps in late to poach him away from UNC, but the fact that the Tar Heels have gotten him to town speaks volumes of the high interest Thomas has in suiting up for the ACC side, especially this late in the game recruiting wise. From our chair, it won't be a stunner at all if he commits and signs with Carolina soon. Only time will tell if that happens or not.
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