Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

Kade Nix is a sports writer covering North Carolina on SI. He specializes in college basketball, college football, and the NFL. In 2021, he founded Kade’s Draft Room, a sports website that ran until 2025, and has an extensive background writing for multiple channels and sports websites. In addition to his writing experience, Kade has hands-on sports scouting experience, including time as a Texas area scout for the Hula Bowl, giving him a unique perspective on player evaluation and the college sports landscape.

Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; General view of a March Madness sign before a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Mar 28, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mar 12, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels mascot Ramses holds onto the ESPN Camp Week ball during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts towards referee Danielle Scott (87) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Serra's Maximo Adams (25) looks to coaches as he runs down the court during the first quarter of their first-round CIF-SS playoff game at Indio High School in Indio, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

With North Carolina’s roster nearly set, the focus now shifts to how Michael Malone could piece together his first starting lineup in Chapel Hill.

Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

It’s still early in Chapel Hill, but Michael Malone’s first offseason has already given North Carolina plenty of reasons to feel optimistic.

Jan 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

North Carolina brought in plenty of new faces this offseason, but a few additions stand above the rest in shaping the outlook for Michael Malone’s first year.

Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

After filling its biggest roster need, North Carolina still has a few key areas left to address before the roster is fully set.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; TV analyst Bill Belichick watches the Miami Hurricanes play the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With a solid year in Chapel Hill, UNC may only get one more year from its top returning wide receiver.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Zayden High (1) and North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jaydon Young (4) celebrate after a play against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With most of last year’s roster gone, North Carolina’s three returning players will be asked to take on much bigger roles next season.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With no true center on the roster, North Carolina may need to make an aggressive push for one of the top big men overseas.

Mar 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone following a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Even with most of the portal’s top names off the board, North Carolina still has a few realistic options left to address its frontcourt depth.

With Henri Veesaar officially headed to the NBA, North Carolina now turns its attention to three possible replacements who could help fill the sudden void at center.

As ACC rivals stack elite talent through the portal, a couple of key decisions could determine whether North Carolina keeps pace or falls behind.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Henri Veesaar’s decision to turn pro leaves a major hole in North Carolina’s frontcourt, forcing the Tar Heels into a critical next move.

With the NBA Draft deadline approaching, Henri Veesaar’s decision could have major ripple effects on North Carolina’s roster and season outlook.

Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

How NCAA Tournament Expansion Could Impact North Carolina

UNC Reportedly Targeting Another International Frontcourt Piece

Why This Tar Heel Could Be UNC’s Next Breakout Player

UNC Targeting Another International Seven-Footer

Projecting UNC's Rotation for 2026-27 Season

Why Malone’s First UNC Offseason Has Been So Impressive

Top 3 Offseason Additions for North Carolina

What UNC Should Target Next To Fill Out Roster

One UNC Player Who Could Declare Early for 2027 NFL Draft

What UNC Needs From Its Three Returners Next Season

UNC Should Aggressively Target This International Prospect

3 Transfer Portal Options UNC Could Still Target

3 Replacements UNC Could Target After Henri Veesaar’s Departure

What UNC Must Do To Avoid Falling Behind in ACC

UNC Faces Major Void After Veesaar Declares for Draft

Why Veesaar’s NBA Decision Could Define UNC’s Season