We are inching closer and closer to the start of the 2026-27 college basketball season. As North Carolina is set to begin the first season of the Michael Malone era, the roster is complete, and soon Fall practices will begin.
But as the team has gone through Summer workouts, one player has been noticeably absent.
Center Sayon Keita has not been with the program as he's been overseas since committing to the Tar Heels. But that has finally changed. After a long way, Keita's visa has finally been approved, per Inside Carolina's Sherrell McMillan. Keita is on his way to Chapel Hill and should arrive by weekend's end.
The seven-foot freshman was a big addition to Malone's roster, committing to UNC on April 28th. He should be in the mix for minutes this year in the paint as the Tar Heels have had to overhaul their post depth.
At just 18-years-old, Keita made his professional debut with FC Barcelona last season. He is one of the more intriguing newcomers to UNC's roster for this season.
North Carolina will open up the preseason on October 18th, facing off against Indiana in an exhibition game in Indianapolis.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball gets good news with center from overseas