Deon Thompson expected to join UNC basketball coaching staff, Michael Malone

Former UNC basketball player Deon Thompson is expected to join Michael Malone’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

Inside Carolina was first to report the move. Thompson, 37, played four seasons for the Tar Heels under Roy Williams and helped UNC win the 2009 NCAA championship. A 2010 UNC graduate, Thompson is expected to take classes at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

The former UNC post player was present for Malone’s introductory press conference in early April.

Deon Thompson stats at UNC, professionally

Thompson, who played at UNC from 2006-10, played in 152 games for the Tar Heels. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, finishing his career with 1,414 points, 743 rebounds and 141 blocks in his career. The 6-foot-9 forward helped UNC win 121 games, including the 2009 national championship. He started 37 of 38 games that season, capping the year off with nine points and three rebounds in the title win against Michigan State. Following his college career, Thompson played 15 professional seasons overseas in 13 countries. He averaged 10.3 points and 5 rebounds.

Michael Malone coaching staff

In addition to Thompson, Michael Malone’s coaching staff features two more former Tar Heels in Pat Sullivan and Sean May. Sullivan and May are holdovers from Hubert Davis’ coaching staff. Chuck Martin, an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Arkansas, is also joining Malone’s staff.

Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC basketball coaching staff to include Deon Thompson