What new college eligibility rules mean for the future of UNC Basketball

Posted Jul 2, 2026
The new five-year clock for NCAA eligibility will start on an athlete’s 19th birthday or on the date of first full-time college enrollment if the player is younger. That means Maximo Adams’ window does not begin until January 2027, while Sayon Keita and Malloy Smith hit 19 next March. Kevin Thomas turned 18 last month, but his clock began when he enrolled. (USA Today)

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