Michael Malone, UNC retain former top-50 guard out of the transfer portal

TL;DR

Isaiah Denis, a former top-50 guard, has decided to stay with UNC after withdrawing from the transfer portal. He joins Jaydon Young in returning to the Tar Heels for the upcoming season under coach Michael Malone.

Key points

Isaiah Denis withdraws from the transfer portal to stay at UNC
Denis is a former top-50 prospect from Davidson Day
He averaged 1.9 points per game last season
UNC is still pursuing Juke Harris in the transfer portal

Mentioned in this story

UNCMichiganTennessee

transfer portalIsaiah Denis

Michael Malone, UNC retain former top-50 guard out of the transfer portal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Another UNC Tar Heels player has withdrawn from the transfer portal. After Jaydon Young decided to return to Chapel Hill, Isaiah Denis wasn't far behind him.The 6-foot-5, 180-pound combo guard announced he would be back with the program next season on Saturday, according to On3.

Denis appeared in 10 games last season, averaging 1.9 points per game in limited minutes as a freshman. The four-star came to UNC as a top-50 prospect from Davidson Day outside of Charlotte, NC.

Being able to stay in the Tar Heel State was key for Denis. He'll do that next season, along with playing a bigger role for UNC under Michael Malone. A win-win for both sides as the former NBA champion coach tried to build out the roster for his initial run in college. As it stands right now, UNC is still active in the transfer portal and trying to beat out Michigan and Tennessee in the Juke Harris sweepstakes.

The top guard in the portal isn't in a rush to make a decision and might run out of options soon. But that's not preventing Harris from taking his time.

More:Michael Malone adds son of famed UNC alum, NBA champion to roster next year

Losing five-star talent Dylan Mingo was tough, but understandable considering his desire not to redshirt due to injury. Malone's approach might not sit well with everyone. However, he's going to approach this with an NBA background and not have a star player fight through injury for no reason other than to be a one-and-done for the 2027 NBA Draft.

With the transfer portal window closing on Tuesday at midnight, there will be a clear indication of who's available or not. This will give UNC some structure for Malone and his staff to work with going forward.