Enthusiasm from former players as Malone takes over at UNC
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's a new era for basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Michael Malone is ready to get to work as the new head coach.
The mood on campus Wednesday seemed optimistic about the hire a day after the new coach was introduced at a festive affair at the Dean Smith Center.
During the search for a new coach, so much was made about the fact that the hiring of a search firm and the lack of candidates inside of the immediate UNC coaching tree would force the Tar Heels to hire someone outside the "Carolina Family."
One former player seemed to think that since Malone trusted the university with his daughter, a rising sophomore volleyball player, maybe he's not so far outside of the family as many believe.
"Mike Malone is a great coach, great individual," said Shammond Williams, who played point guard at UNC from 1994-98. "When you've been in the NBA, you know his reputation, who he is as a person.
"I look beyond just the athletic perspective of him being the head coach," Williams added. "I truly understand that he does have an affinitive love for the University of North Carolina because if he did not, he wouldn't have sent his daughter here to be a student-athlete. And, excited to see what he does."
Other former players and alums who spoke to ABC11 also voiced support for Malone.
And the new coach also got a big endorsement on Wednesday from former coach Roy Williams.
In a social media post, Williams wrote, in part, "He is a proven winner as an NBA world championship coach, and I am ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel!"
That work begins now, with the transfer portal in full swing and expectations sky-high.
WATCH: Michael Malone's full introductory remarks
