Michael Malone gets win No. 1 at blueblood North Carolina. It wasn’t an easy night

Posted Nov 3, 2026
Michael Malone walked into a room of reporters after a tougher-than-expected win in his coaching debut at UNC, then offered a quip that captured the mood. "You guys have as much fun as I did? Welcome to the roller coaster." The man who coached the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship had just watched his Tar Heels beat Western Carolina 80-72. (Associated Press)

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