UNC Signee Maximo Adams Sticking With Tar Heels After Michael Malone Hire –
The first highschool recruit dedication for Michael Malone as Carolina’s head coach was technically one he already had. After conversations this week with Malone and his employees, 2026 UNC signee Maxim Adams will stick together with his resolution to play for the Tar Heels and roll at UNC in June, he has confirmed to Rivals’ Joe Tipton on Saturday.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Tar Heels,” Adams informed ESPN. “It was my dream school growing up, and I’m excited to be coached by Coach Malone.”
The 6-foot-7 ahead at Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon High School dedicated to – and signed with – UNC final November. He selected Carolina over finalists Texas, Michigan State, and Kentucky. He additionally held affords from Alabama, Arizona State, BYU, Duke, Kansas, Houston, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Purdue, Syracuse, Washington, and West Virginia.
As a senior, Adams was named the 2026 Los Angeles Times Boys’ Player of the Year, picked to be a McDonald’s All-American, and chosen to play within the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. Adams led Sierra Canyon to a 30-1 report and the varsity’s first California State Open Division title since 2019, whereas averaging 16 factors and seven.2 rebounds per recreation.
Adams checks in at No. 22 within the Rivals Industry Rankings.
“Adams is one of the most complete wings on the offensive side of the ball in the 2026 class,” mentioned Inside Carolina analyst Sean Moran. “He runs the court docket properly in transition the place he can assault the basket from the wings. He is a pure shooter in catch and shoot conditions with stable kind within the halfcourt set as properly. With his dimension, Adams likes to put up up smaller defenders when given the chance. He will not be an iso-sort participant, however is aware of find out how to assault angles and transfer off the ball. Defensively, Adams can guard both ahead spot and is comfy guarding on the perimeter. He assaults the glass laborious and his size can disrupt opposing gamers within the half-court docket set.”
Adams arrived on North Carolina’s radar final summer time, after standout performances on Nike’s EYBL circuit final 12 months. His summer time culminated with a standout efficiency at Peach Jam final July, the place he averaged 18.8 factors and 10.2 rebounds per recreation, whereas taking pictures 40% from three. The Tar Heels supplied quickly thereafter.
“My dad told me stories about Michael Jordan all the time,” Adams informed Inside Carolina. “When I was younger that’s all I’d hear about, so I’ve always known a bunch about the program. Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of being a Tar Heel.”
