On paper, sure, this hurts a bit.
We're of course talking about the deflating news that recently came in, as 5-star Dylan Mingo is no longer headed to North Carolina, with Michael Malone and Co. reportedly parting ways. On top of that, freshman guard Derek Dixon won't be returning to campus, committing to Arizona.
Oh no, the sky is falling! That's what some people have on their minds, but let's take a second to relax and breathe a bit here. Yes, losing the nation's No. 2 combo guard in Mingo hurts like heck, while seeing Dixon announce he's Big 12-bound is a gut punch too. However, there are two massive reasons we're not ready to hit the panic button just yet: Juke Harris and Terrence Brown.
Utah transfer Terrence Brown on his UNC official visit 🐏
— UNC Zone (@unc_zone) April 13, 2026
Via Brown’s Instagram story pic.twitter.com/tYbnjCrTq3
UNC is on commit watch with veteran transfer guard Terrence Brown
With Brown in particular, he's got all the tools to succeed in a Malone-type of offense. In addition to scoring 19.9 points per game for Utah this past season, he was known for his fantastic passing abilities, distributing nearly four assists per contest too.
He was just on campus for his official visit and plenty of signs are pointing to him choosing the Heels. Things aren't over the line just yet, though, as Brown had previously been in close contact with Kansas, Kentucky and several others according to Jeff Goodman. Landing Brown would help remove some of the pain from losing both Mingo and Dixon - it's something we've got our eyes on, but he's not the only one who could make a decision soon.
UNC and Michael Malone are putting in serious work to land Juke Harris
Perhaps the top guy on the transfer wishlist for North Carolina is Wake Forest's Juke Harris. The in-state product recently took an official visit to Michigan, while Tennessee is also putting in serious work to get him to commit as well.
However, it has been confirmed that Michael Malone, Chuck Martin and others met with Harris for lunch recently, selling him on a potential future with the Heels. He averaged more than 21 points per game, easily being one of the top shooters looking for a new home. Will that new home be in Chapel Hill?
That's something we're all waiting to happen. Think of it this way: say UNC brings in both Harris AND Brown. Would you take that over Mingo and Dixon for next season? We most definitely would, which is why we're putting our trust in Malone and his staff. Should Carolina go 0-for-2 with Brown and Harris, sure, we'll hit that panic button with you. However, we'd be shocked if Malone swings and misses with both. Nope, instead, we're cautiously optimistic he makes the UNC faithful quite happy.
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