Michael Malone and North Carolina are wasting no time showing how serious they are about the Class of 2028.
This week, UNC associate head coach Chuck Martin traveled to Bolingbrook, Illinois, to visit five-star combo guard Brady Pettigrew, a clear sign that the Tar Heels are already pushing hard for one of the fastest-rising young prospects in the country. Pettigrew, who checks in at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, is ranked No. 14 overall in the Class of 2028 by 247Sports.
Pettigrew acknowledged the visit on social media, posting: "Huge thanks to Coach Martin for stopping by, Go Tar Heels!🤍🩵 pic.twitter.com/g6kBrH2HZW"
The Lisle, Illinois, native turned in a huge summer with Brad Beal Elite on the EYBL circuit, then raised his stock even more at Peach Jam. That run earned him the first-ever EYBL 16U MVP award, a reflection of how much he stood out against top competition and how often he delivered in big moments.
North Carolina got involved early. Pettigrew received an offer from the Tar Heels on July 22, and he quickly locked in an official visit to Chapel Hill for October 9. He has not started his junior season yet, so there is still a long way to go in the recruitment, but UNC is making it obvious that he sits near the top of its board.
Martin’s in-person stop only reinforces that point. The Tar Heels are not just watching from a distance; they are treating Pettigrew like a priority target.
It also fits the broader approach Malone has laid out since taking over in Chapel Hill. UNC is expected to stay active with elite high school prospects and the transfer portal, and the staff is already working on more than just the 2027 group. While names like CJ Rosser, Jordan Page, Beckham Black, and other 2027 talents keep drawing attention, Pettigrew is another 2028 prospect worth tracking closely as the Tar Heels continue building out their next wave of recruiting priorities.
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Belichicks Comments Just Turned Up The Heat On UNCs Quarterback
North Carolinas Week 3 loss to Clemson had the familiar feel of a game that slipped away after a solid start, and Bill Belichicks postgame assessment only sharpened the focus on what went wrong. The Tar Heels led in the first half but couldnt hold it, and the head coachs takeaway suggested the issue was less about Clemson springing surprises and more about North Carolina failing to capitalize when it mattered.
Billy Edwards Jr. ended up at the center of that conversation after completing 13 of 30 passes for 135 yards with one touchdown and one interception. With Belichick saying Clemsons defense did not make major changes beyond blitz looks the Tar Heels were ready for, the questions around quarterback execution and how much of the loss can be traced back to the offense are now front and center. [Read more 🡒]
UNC Suddenly Faces A Bigger Question Than One Bad Loss
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The bigger concern now is whether the offense can clean that up quickly enough for what comes next. UNC already looked too static at times against Clemson, and the play-calling questions only get louder with Notre Dame and its strong defense looming. After a game like this, the Tar Heels are not just looking for a rebound. They are looking for signs that the offense can function more consistently against a real test. [Read more 🡒]
UNC Suddenly Has A Problem Fans Didn't Want To See
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The bigger concern for the Tar Heels may be on the other side of the ball, where the absence of pass rusher Abou Jaoude because of injury left a hole that was hard to ignore. With more important games ahead, his availability becomes a real question for a defense that could use all the disruption it can get. UNC has already taken its first conference loss, and now it has to manage both the pressure of the schedule and the uncertainty around a key defender. [Read more 🡒]