I don't doubt that, but seems strange that NC would opt for someone that was away from the College game so long and never was a College HC or an assistant at a major college program.Malone is a good coach
NIL has changed the game of College Basketball and this move might be NIL inspired .
His pro connections might help sway talent to come, his coaching reputation might help the Tar Hee;s bring in the NIL money to pay them and with Malone's coaching chops might put NC on an equal bases , in terms of respect, with Duke