Tag: 2023-2024 UNC Basketball Season

RJ Davis staying in moment, not focused on extra year just yet

No one is thinking about next season yet, especially not star UNC guard RJ Davis. If Davis wants to return, he has a COVID year he can use.

The COVID year is one of the most interesting things to shape today’s college basketball world.

Whereas players typically get four years in college, with the exception of injuries and redshirts, the 2019-2020 COVID-shortened season adds an extra year on to eligible players.

One of many players eligible for a COVID season is UNC star shooting guard RJ Davis, who’s eighth in the entire country at 21.5 points per game.

Davis has gone from North Carolina’s top scorer to one of the country’s best players. Teams are focusing on Davis so much, it’s opening up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

While many fans are sad about this being Armando Bacot’s final year in Chapel Hill, there’s a possibility Davis returns.

Has he thought about it?

“I haven’t,” Davis told Tar Heel Illustrated. “It actually hasn’t hit me yet. I think I’ve been doing a good job of just staying in the moment and worrying about this year, rather than what the future may look like. That really hasn’t hit me yet, so I’m just enjoying my senior year.”

With the way Davis is playing, he could be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. With how many NIL opportunities there are, plus what could be a young roster next season, Davis would also benefit from staying.

While Davis’ ultimate goal is to help UNC capture a seventh NCAA title (and eighth championship), his current goal is focusing on Saturday’s Duke game.

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UNC Basketball vs. Kentucky: Game info, preview, prediction and more

Saturday evening college hoops action pits a pair of historic powers, UNC and Kentucky, against each other at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Sitting at 7-2 with the non-conference portion of its schedule wrapping up, the UNC men’s basketball team is in a significantly better position than it was last year.

Even in its losses to Villanova and UConn, the Tar Heels have shown a strong ability to compete. They’re more experiened, have more scorers and – best of all come NCAA Tournament time, play significantly more down their bench.

Carolina gets another difficult test on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. ET, as it travels down to Atlanta, Ga. for a battle with Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic. The Wildcats, also 7-2, are coming off an 81-66 home victory over Penn.

If there’s anything UNC fans remember about these two teams facing off, it likely goes back to the 2017 Elite 8 matchup.

Kentucky was down by a decent margin in the final minutes, then tied the game at 73 on Malik Monk’s moving 3-pointer. Carolina then pushed the ball up-court, in hopes of winning in regulation, then won it on Luke Maye’s shot as time nearly expired.

While implications for Saturday’s game aren’t nearly as high, I’m sure it’ll provide another classic between two, college hoops blue bloods.

Tar Heels climb a spot in latest Coaches’ Poll

The UNC men’s basketball team is getting rewarded for its solid start to the season, remaining in the Top 10 of the latest Coaches’ Poll.

Through just nine games this year, it’s no secret the UNC men’s basketball team looks significantly better.

The Tar Heels are distributing the scoring more, utilizing their bench and, instead of trying to rush shots on every possession, seem like they’re playing much smarter basketball.

This smart style of play has Carolina at 7-2, with signature wins over a ranked Tennessee squad and an Arkansas program that made the Elite 8 a year ago.

We’re at the beginning of another week and – you guessed it – that means it’s poll time.

In the latest USA Today Sports Coaches’ Poll, despite a loss to fifth-ranked UConn, the Tar Heels moved up one spot to ninth.

UNC is nearing the end of its toughest, early-season stretch, playing six consecutive games against Power 5 teams. Carolina beat Arkansas, Tennessee and Florida State, but lost last week to UConn.

The Tar Heels will travel to Atlanta, Ga. and face Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. ET, then battle an undefeated Oklahoma squad on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET in the Charlotte Hornets’ Spectrum Center.

UNC hosts Charleston Southern on Friday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. ET to close out its non-conference schedule, then travels to Pitt four days later.

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How UNC Basketball’s start to 2023-24 compares to past 10 years

Through nine games, the UNC men’s basketball team is 7-2. That starting record has proven leading to strong finishes in years’ past.

Sitting at 7-2 after nine games into the current college basketball season, UNC’s men’s hoops squad is in a pretty solid position ahead of another tough, non-conference test against Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Carolina just lost its Jimmy V Classic matchup to UConn, the reigning National Champions, on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Despite the Tar Heels’ best efforts and multiple second-half runs, which closed the game to a couple possessions, the Huskies’ hot shooting proved too much to overcome.

UNC’s only other loss is in overtime to Villanova, another college basketball blue blood who sits at 6-4. Carolina’s lost non-conference games in years’ past to the likes of Belmont (Tenn.) University and Wofford who, despite being some of the stronger, mid-major conference teams, are nowhere near the level of Nova and UConn.

Regardless of what happens against Kentucky, Carolina’s already off to its best start since 2021-2022. We’d talk about how disappointing last season was, but I’m sure you all are tired of hearing the “Preseason Number One to missing the NCAA Tournament” narrative.

Instead in this story, we’ll compare UNC’s current nine-game start to those of the past 10 seasons.

While every team’s goal is to play solid basketball all year long, it’s always better to play your strongest in March and April.

UNC a high seed in Andy Katz’ first bracket prediction

We’re not even into conference play yet, but March Madness predictions are already out. UNC’s men’s basketball squad is slated to return.

It’s too early to make March Madness predictions, right?

While we won’t truly tell who the tournament teams are until the New Year, the answer is – no.

In just the first month of college basketball season, we’ve seen some exciting games and blowouts. Caleb Love and Arizona came to Durham, where they took down the Blue Devils, while Kentucky has looked like the dominant power it usually is.

Through seven games in Chapel Hill, UNC looks a lot more like an NCAA Tournament team. The Tar Heels lost an overtime thriller to Villanova, but have won their other six games with relative ease. Two of those victories have come against Tennessee and Arkansas, a pair of the SEC’s better programs.

As a result of this strong, early-season play, Carolina is projected as a 3-seed in the Midwest Region of college basketball correspondent Andy Katz’ first bracket prediction.

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Northern Illinois, UNC’s projected opponent, sits at 5-2 ahead of MAC (Mid-American Conference) play. The Huskies have wins against App State, Illinois Tech, Georgia State, Arkansas-Little Rock and DePaul, plus losses to Northwestern and Marquette.

The Tar Heels are coming off their biggest win of the season, holding off Tennessee by a 100-92 mark in Wednesday’s ACC-SEC Challenge. Next up for UNC is a 2 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Dec. 2 in its ACC opener against Florida State.

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UNC-Tennessee named a Top 10 hoops game this week

One of the most exciting ranked college hoops matchups comes to Chapel Hill on Wednesday night, with UNC hosting Tennessee in a men’s clash.

Ranked matchups usually provide the greatest thrill across college sports.

These types of games carry higher expectations and, for the most part, are more entertaining to fans. Ranked clashes are usually televised, because it’s must-see sports.

If you hadn’t guessed it already, you know now – one of the most-anticipated, early-season college basketball matchups will be taking place later this week.

UNC, ranked 17th in the latest AP Poll, will be hosting 10th-ranked Tennessee on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:15 p.m ET. This matchup will be part of the ACC-SEC Challenge.

With the anticipation for this matchup comes recognition from Andy Katz, one of the sport’s most recognizable correspondents.

Katz has tabbed UNC-Tennessee a Top-10 matchup to watch this weekend, with it coming it at second behind Kansas-UConn.

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Carolina is coming off a convincing, 87-72 victory over another SEC school, Arkansas, on Friday afternoon in the Battle 4 Atlantis. The Tar Heels lost the day before against Villanova, a game they were in until the final minute.

The highlight of Tennessee’s schedule – so far – was an 89-88 victory at then-4-ranked Michigan in the season-opener. The Volunteers, ranked 10th despite a 4-2 mark, are coming off consecutive losses to Purdue (top-ranked team) and Kansas (second) in the Maui Invitational.

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UNC makes decent jump in latest men’s basketball Coaches’ Poll

The Tar Heels have season-opening basketball wins against Radford, Lehigh and UC-Riverside. Those have boosted them up the Coaches’ Poll.

Three games, three easy wins for the UNC men’s basketball program to start its 2023-2024 campaign.

This is exactly the type of hot start you want to see from Carolina, especially given last season’s disappointment. The Tar Heels have wins against UC-Riverside, Lehigh (remember its upset of Duke) and a gritty Radford squad expected to contend in the Big South.

While it’s tough to determine exactly how good a team is by rankings alone, it’s always fun to compare where a fan’s favorite team sits. Some argue certain squads are too high, too low, should or shouldn’t be in the polls.

With their impressive performances in Games 1-3, UNC has seen itself rise to 14th in the latest Coaches’ Poll.

Carolina finds itself sandwiched between Texas A&M (13th) and Alabama (15th), two of the SEC’s better squads. The Tar Heels are also two spots ahead of Kentucky, one of college basketball’s blue bloods.

UNC has a chance to rise even further up the rankings over the latter half of this week, as it prepares for the Battle 4 Atlantis. Carolina is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET tip – on ESPN – against Northern Iowa on Wednesday, a 12 or 2:30 p.m. ET tip vs. Villanova or Texas Tech on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a time TBA against either Arkansas, Memphis, Michigan or Stanford on Friday, Nov. 24.

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Armando Bacot passes Joel Berry on all-time UNC scoring list

Armando Bacot recorded his 69th career double-double on Monday night against Radford. He climbed the UNC all-time scoring list in the game.

Does anyone remember former UNC point guard Joel Berry?

He was one of the rare players to make consecutive championship appearances for the Tar Heels – losing in the 2016 finals to Villanova, but rebounding to take down Gonzaga in the 2017 National Championship.

Berry rose to prominence during that first of two title seasons, when UNC decided to shift Marcus Paige over to shooting guard. He increased his scoring output in each season, averaging 17.1 points per game in Senior year, ending up 13th on Carolina’s all-time scoring list.

On Monday, Nov. 6 in the Heels’ season-opener against Radford, a current Tar Heel and all-time great passed Berry for 13th in career UNC points.

That young man is none other than center Armando Bacot, the fifth-year Tar Heel who led all scorers with 25 points in the 86-70, UNC victory.

Bacot now has 1,834 career points at UNC. He only needs three more points to pass Bobby Lewis (1964-1967) and 11 more to pass Paige.

If Bacot plays like he did Monday night, there’s a good chance he’ll pass Paige on Sunday, Nov. 12, when Carolina hosts Lehigh at 2 p.m. ET. The Mountain Hawks are no slouch, though – just see their upset over Duke in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

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How to watch UNC basketball opener vs. Radford

The UNC men’s basketball team makes its long-awaited return to the court on Monday, Nov. 6, hosting Radford University at 7 p.m. ET.

UNC basketball fans – does it feel like Christmas morning?

If it doesn’t, it should.

After waiting eight months since one of the most disappointing seasons in school history ended, Carolina will finally kick-off its 2023-2024 campaign.

The Tar Heels welcome 3-time Big South Champion Radford University to the Dean Dome on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. ET.

If UNC head coach Hubert Davis has his players fully prepared, UNC should be starting its season an easy 1-0. Carolina has enjoyed success in limited action against the Highlanders – beating them by 45 points on Dec. 4, 2016, plus dominating them by 43 points in its 2009 NCAA Tournament opener.

The Tar Heels return an experienced roster – headlined by Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis, plus bolstered by transfers Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan, Jae’Lyn Withers and Paxson Wojcik. Bacot should dominate a smaller Radford squad in the paint, while Carolina should be able to make shots at ease.

UNC will want to keep an eye on Bryan Antoine and DaQuan Smith, Radford’s top two scorers from a season ago. The duo combined to average 25.3 points per game,

Can’t make it to the Dean Dome? Check out how you can watch tomorrow’s game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.

UNC-RADFORD TV, RADIO, AND STREAMING INFORMATION

WHAT: North Carolina (0-0) vs. Radford (0-0)

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.

TV: ACC Network (Watch and stream the game live on ESPN)

ANNOUNCERS: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Dan Bonner (color commentator)

RADIO: Tar Heel Sports Network. Jones Angell, play-by-play;
Brian Simmons, analyst.

SATELLITE RADIO: SiriusXM (193)

WEBSITE: WatchESPN

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UNC Basketball vs. Radford: Game preview, info, prediction and more

We’re just one day away from the start of college basketball season, as the UNC Tar Heels take on Radford at 7 p.m. inside the Dean Dome.

Just one more day, Tar Heel fans – the official start of basketball season.

UNC begins its 2023-2024 slate on Monday, Nov. 6 against the Radford Highlanders. Carolina’s enjoyed some major success in limited action vs. Radford – a 101-58 victory in its opening game of the 2009 NCAA Tournament, plus a 95-50 domination in 2016 at home.

There’s a lot of reason to be optimistic – not only about this game, but about the Tar Heels’ season as a whole. Carolina has a significantly more experienced team this season, headlined by star returners Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis. Hubert Davis hit another ace in the recruiting trail, picking up 5-star point guard Elliot Cadeau to start.

UNC missed the NCAA Tournament last after, becoming the first Preseason Number One ranked team to do so, but last season is in the past. It’s time to press reset and go up against the 3-time, Big South Champion Highlanders.

Radford is no slouch coming into tomorrow’s matchup. The Highlanders are coming off a 21-15 (12-6) campaign, in which they made a run to the College Basketball Invitational semifinals against Campbell University, plus five of their players are either seniors or graduate students.

Who will move to 1-0? What does Carolina need to do for a season-opening win?