Michael Malone's First Portal Move: UNC Lands Virginia Tech's Neoklis Avdalas

Michael Malone wasted no time making waves at North Carolina. The surprise Chapel Hill hire, fresh off his ESPN analyst gig, landed his first portal pickup on Monday with Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas joining the Tar Heels, according to reports from On3 and ESPN.

Here's what you need to know about the 6-foot-9 guard from Greece: he was immediate impact as a Virginia Tech freshman. We're talking 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and a team-high 4.6 assists across 31 games, all starts. The efficiency was there too. Avdalas shot 38.6% from the floor overall and 35.7% from deep in ACC play. He tested the NBA draft waters last offseason before landing at Virginia Tech, and now he's heading to Chapel Hill to play under a coach who just led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023.

Malone's Carolina Rebuild Is Already Moving

This portal move signals intent. Malone didn't come to Chapel Hill to coast. Avdalas gives the Tar Heels playmaking and floor spacing from a guard position, which matters when you're trying to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

Stevenson Staying Put

The good news kept rolling for Malone on Monday. Starting forward Jarin Stevenson announced on social media that he will return for his fourth season and his second with North Carolina. Stevenson averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 33 games, including 25 starts, this past season. Having continuity on the roster while adding talent like Avdalas gives the Tar Heels real momentum heading into next season.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.