The first highschool recruit dedication for Michael Malone as Carolina’s head coach was technically one he already had. After conversations this week with Malone and his workers, 2026 UNC signee Maximo Adams will stick along with his choice to play for the Tar Heels and enroll at UNC in June, he confirmed to Rivals’ Joe Tipton on Saturday.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Tar Heels,” Adams informed ESPN. “It was my dream school growing up, and I’m excited to be coached by Coach Malone.”
The 6-foot-7 ahead at Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon High School dedicated to – and signed with – UNC final November. He selected Carolina over finalists Texas, Michigan State, and Kentucky. He additionally held presents from Alabama, Arizona State, BYU, Duke, Kansas, Houston, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Purdue, Syracuse, Washington, and West Virginia.
As a senior, Adams was named the 2026 Los Angeles Times Boys’ Player of the Year, picked to be an McDonald’s All-American, and chosen to play within the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. Adams led Sierra Canyon to a 30-1 file and the varsity’s first California State Open Division title since 2019, whereas averaging 16 factors and seven.2 rebounds per recreation.
Adams checks in at No. 22 within the Rivals Industry Rankings.
“Adams is one of the more complete wings on the offensive side of the ball in the 2026 class,” stated Inside Carolina analyst Sean Moran. “He runs the court well in transition where he can attack the basket from the wings. He is a pure shooter in catch and shoot situations with solid form in the halfcourt set as well. With his size, Adams likes to post up smaller defenders when given the opportunity. He is not an iso-type player, but knows how to attack angles and move off the ball. Defensively, Adams can guard either forward spot and is comfortable guarding on the perimeter. He attacks the glass hard and his length can disrupt opposing players in the half-court set.”
Adams arrived on North Carolina’s radar final summer time, after standout performances on Nike’s EYBL circuit final 12 months. His summer time culminated with a standout efficiency at Peach Jam final July, the place he averaged 18.8 factors and 10.2 rebounds per recreation, whereas capturing 40% from three. The Tar Heels provided quickly thereafter.
“My dad told me stories about Michael Jordan all the time,” Adams informed Inside Carolina. “When I was younger that’s all I’d hear about, so I’ve always known a bunch about the program. Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of being a Tar Heel.”
