Michael Malone is already putting Chuck Martin's elite recruiting skills to the test.
Martin, named Associate Head Coach of the UNC basketball program this offseason, has built a strong reputation as an elite recruiter. Over the last few seasons, Martin has helped John Calipari reel in three consecutive top-10-ranked recruiting classes, playing an integral role in bringing in star talents such as Reed Sheppard, the third pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 selection. He also helped bring Darius Acuff (another first-round talent) to Arkansas.
Now, Malone is hoping that Martin can bring some elite talents to Chapel Hill, already having him on the recruiting trail to see a Class of 2028 star.
Chuck Martin makes a stop to see five-star guard Brady Pettigrew
Martin made a trip to Bolingbrook, Illinois to see five-star combo guard Brady Pettigrew. A 6-foot-3, 185-pounder, Pettigrew currently ranks as the No. 14 overall player in the Class of 2028 (according to 247Sports).
Huge thanks to Coach Martin for stopping by, Go Tar Heels!🤍🩵 pic.twitter.com/g6kBrH2HZW
— Brady Pettigrew (@BradyPettigreww) September 22, 2026
Pettigrew put together an incredible summer, making him one of the fastest-rising prospects at the high school level, regardless of graduating class.
The Lisle, Illinois, native made an impression on the EYBL circuit with Brad Beal Elite. He saved his best summer moments for Peach Jam, the biggest stage that AAU basketball has to offer, showcasing his elite skill set and clutch genes while competing in front of coaches from all across the country. It wasn't an accident that he was named the first-ever EYBL 16U MVP, a testament to just how good he was all summer.
After receiving an offer from UNC on July 22, Pettigrew wasted no time scheduling an official visit to Chapel Hill, slated for October 9. North Carolina isn't just banking on his official visit to show him just how much they want him at UNC. His recruitment still has a lot of time left, given he hasn't even started his junior season, but the time is now for Malone and company to prove to him that North Carolina is the best fit for him.
Chuck Martin making personal visits to see him goes to show how the Tar Heels are making him a priority target on the 2028 recruiting trail.
Since taking over as North Carolina's men's basketball coach, Michael Malone has lived up to his statements that UNC will be heavily involved in recruiting top players (both via high school and transfer portal recruiting). Malone and his staff aren't just building an elite-level 2027 recruiting class; they're also laying the foundation for the 2028 class, ensuring the goal of bringing the best players to Chapel Hill is met every year.
While we keep hearing about CJ Rosser, Jordan Page, Beckham Black, and other 2027 stars, Brady Pettigrew is a 2028 name to keep a close eye on. All signs indicate he is among UNC's top recruiting targets (regardless of graduating class) and that the program is doing everything it can to win this particular recruitment battle.
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