Big expectations: Inside Michael Malone’s retooling of UNC’s frontcourt

Posted Sep 6, 2026
The centerpiece of that rebuild is Sayon Keita (pronounced SIGH-on KAY-tuh), a 7–1, 205-pound prospect Michael Malone scouted personally in Huelva, Spain, shortly after taking the job. Malone further described him as a player whose game may already exceed expectations. He called Keita “a terrific runner of the floor” and “an exceptional pick-and-roll player.” (Tar Heel Tribune)

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