BREAKING: Sean May Returns to UNC as Senior Coaching Staff Member and Advisor……………
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — July 5, 2025 — In a powerful nod to tradition and excellence, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball program has announced that former star forward Sean May is returning to Chapel Hill in a new role as a senior member of the coaching staff and team advisor.
The news, confirmed early Friday morning by UNC Athletics, marks a significant homecoming for one of the most iconic figures in Tar Heel basketball history. May, remembered for leading the Tar Heels to their 2005 NCAA Championship, will now help guide the program he once carried to the mountaintop.
“This is more than just a hire — it’s a full-circle moment,” said head coach Hubert Davis. “Sean represents everything that UNC basketball is about. He brings not only a champion’s mindset, but also a mentor’s heart and a deep understanding of what this program stands for.”
A Championship Pedigree Returns
Sean May’s return isn’t just sentimental — it’s strategic. As a player, May embodied dominance and poise in the paint. His performance in the 2005 NCAA Tournament remains one of the most legendary in program history. In the title game against Illinois, May put up 26 points and 10 rebounds, earning Most Outstanding Player honors and securing UNC’s fourth national title at the time.
That championship run wasn’t a fluke — it was the climax of an elite college career. May was named a consensus second-team All-American in 2005, earned first-team All-ACC honors that same year, and was a second-team selection in 2004. Known for his basketball IQ, soft touch around the rim, and leadership, May was a foundational player in head coach Roy Williams’ early tenure.
Now, two decades later, he returns to contribute not from the block, but from the bench — this time as a leader, strategist, and mentor to a new generation of Tar Heels.
Experience on and off the Court
May’s post-playing career has been steadily building toward this moment. After being selected 13th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, his professional playing career included stints in the NBA and overseas. While injuries impacted his time in the league, May pivoted to development and coaching roles with the same focus and passion that made him great on the court.
At UNC, May has served in several roles over the past decade, including Director of Player Development and assistant coach. In each capacity, he has been praised for his ability to connect with players, instill discipline, and reinforce the values that define Carolina basketball.
“He’s been in our shoes, he knows the pressure, and he knows the standard,” said a current UNC player. “He doesn’t just talk — he lived it.”
As a senior team advisor, May will work closely with both the coaching staff and players. His responsibilities will include player mentorship, game preparation, and long-term strategic input, including involvement in recruiting.
A Symbol of Continuity and Culture
UNC basketball has long been built on continuity — a family tree of players and coaches rooted in tradition but growing with every generation. May’s return is another extension of that legacy.
His presence alongside Hubert Davis — another former UNC standout turned coach — reinforces the program’s commitment to maintaining its core identity. The move also comes at a critical time as UNC looks to reclaim its position as a perennial national title contender after a series of up-and-down seasons.
“Bringing Sean back is about more than basketball,” said UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. “It’s about culture. It’s about trust. It’s about reminding every player who walks into the Smith Center what it truly means to be a Tar Heel.”
Looking Ahead
As the Tar Heels prepare for the 2025–26 season, the addition of Sean May is expected to make an immediate impact both on and off the court. The team returns a core group of veterans and promising underclassmen, and May’s expertise in the post could prove critical in player development and execution.
For Sean May, it’s not just a new title — it’s a deeper calling.
“Carolina is home,” May said in a brief statement. “It gave me everything — and now I get to give back in a bigger way. I’m honored and ready to help lead this program to where it belongs.”
With one of its greatest champions now back in the fold, Carolina basketball is once again blending the best of its past with the promise of its future.
