Malloy Smith reaffirms commitment, set to sign with UNC
TL;DR
Malloy Smith has confirmed his commitment to the University of North Carolina and will officially sign with the Tar Heels on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6 guard from Santa Ana is a three-star prospect and the third family member to play for UNC.
Malloy Smith has reaffirmed his commitment to North Carolina and will sign with the Tar Heels on Wednesday, Inside Carolina reported.
The 6-foot-6 guard from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei High School is rated a three-star prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking and is the No. 379 overall player in the 2026 class.
Smith is the third member of his family to play for UNC. His father, Tar Heels great and All-American Kenny Smith, spent four seasons in Chapel Hill from 1983-87 before becoming an NBA standout and award-winning studio analyst. His older brother, K.J. Smith, was on the roster from 2017-21.
âI just feel like Iâm excited to be a part of the Carolina family,â Smith told Inside Carolina. âIâm not taking anything for granted, and Iâm working hard to help keep this university what it is and help us deliver all the things everyone expects of it. I feel like Coach Malone is going to do a great job with that, and all the coaches are great and weâre going to build a great program and tradition.â
Smith said Michael Malone called him the day UNC introduced its new coach, and the change never seriously shook his belief heâd play his college basketball in Chapel Hill.
âI trusted North Carolina to make the right decision and find the right coach,â Smith said. âCoach Malone is going to be amazing and do a great job, I know it. Iâm so excited to be there and be coached by him.â
The Mater Dei standout received an offer from former coach Hubert Davis in February, then visited Chapel Hill on Feb. 28 for North Carolinaâs 89-82 win over Virginia Tech. He announced his commitment on March 6 during ESPNâs âNBA Tip-Offâ show, while his father was on set.
Smith and fellow West Coast prospect Maximo Adams make up North Carolinaâs two-man 2026 high school recruiting class. Both are expected to arrive in Chapel Hill in June.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Legacy guard Malloy Smith to sign with Tar Heels
Q&A
What are Malloy Smith's rankings as a basketball prospect?
Malloy Smith is rated as a three-star prospect and is ranked No. 379 overall in the 2026 class according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Who are Malloy Smith's family members that played for UNC?
Malloy Smith's father, Kenny Smith, and his older brother, K.J. Smith, both played for the University of North Carolina.
When will Malloy Smith officially sign with UNC?
Malloy Smith is set to officially sign with the University of North Carolina on Wednesday.
