Where Michael Malone’s first team falls in preseason rankings as practice starts Posted Sep 22, 2026 As UNC Basketball officially opens practice Tuesday in its first season under Coach Michael Malone, the unofficial preseason rankings give the Tar Heels a modest but respectable starting point. Blue Ribbon Yearbook slotted Carolina at No. 25 in its national rankings that Chris Dortch compiled, as did Gary Parrish in his "Top 25 And 1" for CBS Sports. (Tar Heel Tribune)