UNC men’s basketball adds commitment from Greek star. Meet Alexandros Samodurov

North Carolina has secured a commitment from Greek forward Alexandros Samodurov, who announced his plan to join the Tar Heels on social media Saturday.

The 6-foot-11 power forward will bring professional experience and long-term upside to Michael Malone’s roster.

Samodurov, a native of Thessaloniki, has spent the past four seasons with Panathinaikos, one of Europe’s premier clubs competing in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. The 21-year-old was part of Panathinaikos’ 2024 EuroLeague championship team and has also won a Greek League title and multiple domestic cups — giving him a level of high-level experience rarely found in a college addition.

A late-blooming prospect, Samodurov first broke out on the junior circuit in Greece before signing a long-term deal with Panathinaikos in 2022. He has since developed within a professional system, including time on loan in Greece’s second division, where he logged consistent minutes and began expanding his offensive game.

With mobility and length, Samodurov projects as a modern frontcourt piece. He runs the floor well, protects the rim and has flashed the ability to step out and make perimeter shots, per scouting reports. While he’s still working to add strength, his frame and defensive instincts give him immediate value as a rotational big.

Internationally, Samodurov has represented Greece at multiple levels, including a bronze medal finish at EuroBasket and All-Star Five honors at the FIBA U20 European Championship.

Samodurov’s professional background should ease his transition to the college game, and his ceiling makes him a compelling long-term piece as Malone continues to reshape the Tar Heels’ roster. He’ll also reconnect with Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, his former teammate, in Chapel Hill.

This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 2:53 PM.