Duke and UNC fight for star SEC transfer in Michael Malone’s first week originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sometimes life comes at you fast. One minute you’re at home enjoying time with your family and the next you’re on a plane flying to Chapel Hill and being introduced as the next head basketball coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Needless to say, Michael Malone’s week has been a rush.
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The former NBA champion is also getting his first taste of the Tobacco Road rivalry between Duke and UNC. Not on the court, but in the transfer portal. The heated rivals are in the running for Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell, who could fill needs for either program.
For Duke and Jon Scheyer, trying to replace Patrick Ngongba will be a top priority. Sherrell would be a perfect swap with the Blue Devils not skipping a beat. The 6-foot-10 big man had a decent season for the Tide, averaging 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Put him into the rotation, and he’ll thrive better than he did under Nate Oats.
Sherrell was also one of the first players to meet with Malone this week. The rebuild at UNC needs depth with the coaches trying to replace half of the Tar Heels roster.
MORE: Duke Blue Devils Basketball transfer portal tracker live updates
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Duke will also be tasked with figuring out life with Cameron Boozer. However, the five is a big need to complement a go-to forward. Kansas center Flory Bidunga is also in the mix, but Scheyer and his staff can’t miss on either of the bigs.
