Another son of ex-UNC great Kenny Smith commits to play for the Tar Heels

Last month, former North Carolina star Kenny Smith took school officials to task for firing head coach Hubert Davis.

Next fall, Smith likely will be in Chapel Hill to cheer on another son wearing Carolina blue.

The school announced on Wednesday that Malloy Smith, a 6-foot-5 guard from Encino, California, has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend UNC and play basketball. Right now, the younger Smith attends Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California.

"I just feel like I'm excited to be a part of the Carolina family," Smith told Inside Carolina. "I'm not taking anything for granted, and I'm working hard to help keep this university what it is and help us deliver all the things everyone expects of it. I feel like Coach (Michael) Malone is going to do a great job with that, and all the coaches are great and we're going to build a great program and tradition."

It was Malone who was named to replace Davis.

According to Tar Heel Wire, Smith and fellow West Coast prospect Maximo Adams make up North Carolina's two-man 2026 high school recruiting class. Both are expected to arrive in Chapel Hill in June, according to the report.

Kenny Smith played for the Tar Heels from 1983-87, won two NBA titles in Houston, and is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster. Malloy's brother, K.J., played three seasons for the Tar Heels from 2018-21.

Smith was recruited by and received an offer from Davis at the end of February and announced his commitment in March.

The news of Malloy Davis' signing comes just days after five-star point guard Dylan Mingo pulled his commitment to UNC. The Long Island, New York, star committed to UNC but he never signed a national letter of intent.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:37 AM.