Heel Tough Blog: Four-Star Wing Commits to North Carolina

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It was announced reported earlier this week that Michael Malone and the Tar Heels would host a four-star small forward in the 2026 class, by the name of Kevin Thomas, as they continued to fill out the roster for the upcoming season. Thomas was on campus today for his official visit to UNC, and has committed to play for North Carolina for the upcoming season, becoming the first high school prospect to commit to the UNC program under Michael Malone, who was hired back in April. Thomas is a 6-6 small forward from the state of Florida, who had originally committed to play at LSU, before a coaching change allowed him to decommit and reopen his recruitment. According to 247Sports, they rank Thomas as the No. 79 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, the No. 32 overall small forward, and the No. 13 player from the Sunshine State. 

Last season, Thomas played for Sagemont Prep, where he averaged 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals, while leading Sagemont to the Florida Class 1A championship He spent last summer playing for SoH Elite on the Under Armour AAU Circuit, where he averaged 11.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals, while shooting 40% from the field, and 32% from behind the arc. Thomas and current UNC signee Matt Able played together during Able’s time in high school at Sagemont. 

Here is how Adam Finklestein, Director of Scouting for 247Sports, evaluates Thomas as a high school prospect: “Thomas is a high-level athlete with good size on the wing. He’s a dynamic transition finisher who doesn’t just rise-up quickly, but with force. While his leaping ability is his calling card, he’s not unskilled. He’s an improved shooter, who can now make open shots to the arc when he has room and rhythm, but gets streaky when he falls forward into his shot or lets his left shoulder dip. He may not be a big creator, or natural scorer, but he’s useful in half-court offense because he cuts hard, is a solid passer, and reliable decision-maker (2.3 assists vs. 1.0 turnovers). He’s also a threat to get downhill if he’s in catch-and-rip situations, able to bust out to start the break, and of course, a constant lob threat. Physically, Thomas is 6-foot-6 with a nearly 6-foot-10 wingspan. His wiry frame isn’t frail, has definition, and should eventually fill-out nicely. He’s also a decisive mover and active defender who shows glimpses of being very switchable, but can be a little jumpy and undisciplined with his feet right now. Long-term though, there’s clear upside on that end of the floor. The bottom line is that while he may not put up huge numbers right now, his physical tools translate to the highest level and he can contribute on both ends of the floor.”

With the addition of Thomas to the roster, this will allow the UNC staff to focus solely on adding more talent and depth in the frontcourt, with multiple international big men on the coaching staff’s radar. 

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