Tag: North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball

UNC basketball takes down Hawai’i

UNC basketball passes its first test by beating Hawai’i.

Friday night/Saturday morning’s game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors required some coffee if you stayed up for it.

But for UNC fans, it was well worth it. After a slow start that included no scoring for the first two minutes of the game, the Tar Heels used a big second half to pull away from the Rainbow Warriors and capture a 87-69 win to begin the trip to Hawai’i.

And a big reason why was having three starters in double figures.

Guard RJ Davis led the way with 18 points for the Tar Heels also dishing out four assists. Fellow guards Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble also had big nights as well. Cadeau scored 17 points in the win while Trimble added 13.

All three guards had four assists each.

UNC was able to build their first-half lead into double-digits, but Hawai’i never went away. They used a few different runs to cut the lead down to three at one point.

North Carolina took a 41-34 lead into halftime.

The Tar Heels used a quick 11-0 run in the second half to extend the lead to 52-36 early on. That sparked the Tar Heels’ big second half and was needed after they closed out the first half a bit sluggish.

From there, it was really all Tar Heels in the second half as they out-scored the Rainbow Warriors 46-35 in the final 20 minutes of play. The Tar Heels were in control for that entire second half, never letting Hawai’i get back into the game.

Freshman Ian Jackson finished with 11 points off the bench, playing 19 minutes in his return after missing a game. Jackson provided some much-needed scoring off the bench for UNC including hitting his only three-point attempt of the game.

North Carolina will head to Maui to begin the Maui Invitational on Monday night, facing off against Dayton.

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Getting to know UNC’s next basketball opponent: Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors

The Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors are undefeated through four games. Get to know UNC’s next opponent.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to watch college basketball over Thanksgiving Week, starting with the Maui Invitational on Monday night.

The North Carolina Tar Heels will be one of eight teams in the stacked tournament, with other first-round matchups including Memphis vs. back-to-back National Champion UConn, Colorado vs. Michigan State, Auburn vs. Iowa State and the most important one, UNC vs. Dayton.

Before North Carolina faces a plethora of stacked opponents, it’ll be facing the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors in a Saturday morning tune-up. The Tar Heels are facing Hawai’i practically overnight, with a 12:30 a.m. ET tip-off on tap.

UNC has a 5-0 advantage in its brief history with the Rainbow Warriors, who we’re going to give you a brief preview on.

Hawai’i, already off to a 4-0 start this year, is a member of the Big West conference. Fellow conference members include the likes of UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State and UC Riverside.

The Rainbow Warriors started their campaign with a 96-61 victory over Life Pacific on Nov. 8. They beat San José State two days later, topped Pacific 76-66 on Veteran’s Day, then escaped Weber State in overtime (73-68) last Sunday.

Hawai’i rolls deep offensively, with four players averaging a minimum 10 points per game. Starting center and Utah Tech transfer Tanner Christensen leads the Rainbow Warriors with 17 points per game, Tom Beattie averages 12.3 points per game, while Gytis Nemeiska and Marcus Greene both average 10.3 points per game apiece.

Hawai’i has five NCAA Tournament appearances under its belt, with the most recent one coming in 2016, when it beat a Jaylen Brown-led Cal squad for its first-ever victory in the Big Dance.

Here’s to hoping North Carolina can improve to 6-0 against the Rainbow Warriors, who will be yet another tough, early-season test.

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Hawai’i to debut new uniforms vs UNC on Friday night

When you’re watching UNC-Hawai’i on Saturday morning, you’ll be looking at some fresh new uniforms for the hosts.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are preparing to face a tough road test in the wee morning hours on Saturday, heading across the Pacific Ocean for a 12:30 a.m. matchup with the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors.

UNC (2-1) has a very brief history with Hawai’i (4-0), winning each of the first five matchups, with the last one coming in 2016 at Hawai’i. North Carolina fans remember that 2016-2017 campaign very well, with a sixth National Championship captured in April against Gonzaga.

The Tar Heels will be looking for their third win of the year, while the Rainbow Warriors look to remain undefeated.

When Hawai’i takes the court Saturday morning, it’ll be doing so with some brand-new uniforms, reminiscent of the tropical oasis it is.

The Rainbow Warriors beat Life Pacific handily to open their season, then topped San José State two days later on Nov. 10. Hawai’i played Pacific the next day, winning 76-66, then held off Weber State in overtime last Sunday.

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There’s no telling which uniforms UNC will don, but it’ll be tough to beat those the Rainbow Warriors will sport.

One thing we do know about North Carolina, though: it has to be careful on Saturday morning. This game is a tune-up for the Maui Invitational that starts Monday, but it also could be a trap game.

The Tar Heels started to round into form in a massive win against American, with Jalen Washington and Drake Powell leading the charge. Elliot Cadeau scored 15 first-half points and was one off his career-high, while Cade Tyson started to showcase why Hubert Davis went out and got him in the transfer portal.

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UNC basketball projected to face C-USA school in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology

Early bracketology has UNC facing a team that hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament in over 30 years.

Even though we’re just two weeks into the 2024-2025 college basketball season, it’s never too early to start making March Madness projections.

Which teams are near-locks to win their conferences? Who will the Cinderellas be? Will any highly-favored preseason teams fail to live up to the hype?

The North Carolina Tar Heels, just 2-1 through their first three games, are hoping to be the last team standing when March Madness is all said and done.

If famed bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s latest projections come true, UNC will at least be in the Big Dance. Lunardi has North Carolina as a 4-seed in the East Region, facing 13-seed Louisiana Tech in the first round.

While the Tar Heels would be making their second-consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Bulldogs would be making their first since 1991. Louisiana Tech has enjoyed plenty of success on the basketball court in recent years, with five 20-win seasons in its past six, but playing in a mid-major conference like the C-USA hurt its chance at gaining an at-large.

Just like any team early in the season, North Carolina is still trying to figure itself out.

UNC was nearly upset by Elon in its season-opener, but UNC took over in the final four minutes. The Tar Heels trailed Kansas by 15 at halftime on Nov. 8, but nearly came back. American shot well from deep early last Friday, then North Carolina exploded for 64 second-half points.

We’ll really start to see how legit UNC is starting Saturday, when it heads to Hawaii for its fifth matchup with the Rainbow Warriors. The Tar Heels then remain in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, kicking off Monday with an 11:30 p.m. tipoff against Dayton.

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Former UNC basketball standout sets season-high point total

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Cam Johnson just had the best game of his young NBA season on Tuesday night.

When you think of the most athletic basketball players to don a North Carolina Tar Heels basketball uniform, who comes to mind?

For me, Cameron Johnson is right up there. Johnson transferred to UNC – from Pitt – ahead of the 2017-2018 campaign, North Carolina never won a title in Johnson’s two years, but he made a lasting impact.

Now a crucial member of and starting small forward for the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson is enjoying the best season of his 6-year career.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 in a 116-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson scored a season-best 34 points. He shot an unconscious 6-of-12 from the perimeter, made 11-of-20 shots overall and all six of his free throw attemps.

Johnson wasn’t just contributing on the score sheet. He showcased his versatility as a well-rounded contributor, adding five rebounds, four assists. two blocks and a steal.

Brooklyn isn’t playing great basketball, sitting 6-9 not even a quarter through the NBA season, but it’s currently seeded ninth in a weak Eastern Conference.

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Johnson is 49th in the entire NBA with 18.1 points per game, which ranks second on the Nets behind Cam Thomas. With Brooklyn thought to be early sellers, Johnson might not be in Brooklyn much longer – though he’s a great, young talented player to build a franchise around.

North Carolina only had Johnson for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons, but like I alluded to earlier, Johnson made an immediate impact from Day One.

He started 56 of his 62 games as a Tar Heel, averaging 15 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Johnson earned First Team All-ACC Honors after 2019 ended, when UNC lost to Auburn in the Sweet 16.

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Elliot Cadeau joins a UNC legend with his 2024 production through first three games

Elliot Cadeau is UNC’s first basketball player – of the 21st century – to achieve this rare feat.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are just three games into their college basketball season, so it’s still difficult to tell how the season will play out.

There is one thing we’re confident saying about UNC through just those three games, though: Elliot Cadeau took a MASSIVE step forward from freshman year

Cadeau, a sophomore from West Orange, N.J. who starts at guard alongside RJ Davis this year, looks extremely well-rounded. In addition to being a solid passer, Cadeau is explosive when he drives to the basket, can knock down threes at a more consistent clip and – cue the excitement – shows the ability to slam dunk in transition.

With his 47 points and 23 assists on North Carolina’s young season so far, Cadeau earned a unique statistical distinction alongside a program legend.

Cadeau became the first Tar Heel, since Ed Cota (1997-2000), with a minimum 12 points and seven assists through his first three games.

If you were old enough to remember watching Cota, he was an assist machine named the 1997 ACC Rookie of the Year. At the time, Cota was just the fourth player in UNC’s history to be named ACC ROTY (Joseph Forte, Marvin Williams, Tyler Hansbrough, Brandan Wright and Harrison Barnes later earned the distinction)

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If you look at the graphic above, Cadeau enjoyed his best game on the young college basketball season – and arguably his collegiate career – last Friday against American. Basketball is a team sport, but Cadeau’s hot stretch early was the main reason why North Carolina initially led the visiting Eagles, as he scored 15 first-half points.

How much better can Cadeau g througethout the season? Will he return for a third year?

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UNC basketball maintains Top 10 ranking in Andy Katz’ NEW Power 37 rankings

Andy Katz gave the Tar Heels a good spot in his latest Power 37 rankings.

We’re only three weeks into the 2024-2025 college basketball season, but we’re slowly starting to see several teams shape their identity.

I’ve already watched Kansas prove itself as a continued powerhouse, while Arizona might not be as good as we thought. Duke is one of the most talented teams on paper, but its achilles heel every year – experience – cost it a chance at beating Kentucky.

I can’t formulate too much of an opinion about our North Carolina Tar Heels, but I can tell you they’re exciting to watch. UNC is 2-1 through three games, looking its strongest against American and showing some initial concern against Elon.

Ahead of the stacked Maui Invitational, which begins on Monday, Nov. 25, North Carolina landed 10th in Andy Katz’ latest Power 37 rankings. These groupings are new to the 2024-2025 season, with Katz utilizing the Power 36 a season ago.

The Tar Heels found themselves trailing Iowa State (ninth), Alabama (eighth), Purdue (seventh), Duke (sixth), Kentucky (fifth), Auburn (fourth), UConn (third), Gonzaga (second) and Kansas (first).

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When Armando Bacot, Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram left UNC in the offseason, I’ll admit I had some initial concerns about the team’s depth – and veteran leadership.

Through three games, North Carolina has quickly showcased additional depth and new leaders – both from the transfer portal and amongst returners.

Elliot Cadeau has stepped up alongside reining ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis, giving the Tar Heels one of the country’s most dangerous backcourt duos. Drake Powell might be the best defensive player on the roster, while Seth Trimble added an offensive arsenal to his bag.

Jae’Lyn Withers and Jalen Washington are thriving in their first year as starters. Belmont tranfser Cade Tyson is starting to look more comfortable, while Ven-Allen Lubin is that productive, long-overdue big man off the bench.

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North Carolina soars in latest Top 25 and 1

Where do the Tar Heels land in the updated CBS Sports Top 25 and 1?

The North Carolina Tar Heels are enjoying another long break in between games after beating American University on Friday night in the Dean Dome. The Tar Heels next go to Hawai’i to face the Rainbow Warriors on Friday and then the Maui Invitational the week of Thanksgiving.

With a 2-1 record, the Tar Heels will be tested next week on the island because the Maui Invitational field is loaded. The game at Hawai’i could be a trap game.

But as we get set for the next 10 or so days out there, the Tar Heels are earning some early season praise.

Gary Parrish of CBS Sports updated his Top 25 and 1 after the weekend games, and North Carolina checks in at No. 3:

Elliot Cadeau finished with 18 points and eight assists in Friday’s 107-55 win over American. The Tar Heels’ next game is Friday at Hawaii.

That’s the highest ranking for the Tar Heels this season, behind only Kansas and Auburn.

They are ahead of No. 4 UConn, and No. 5 Iowa State, two teams in the Maui Invitational. Duke is No. 12 after losing to Kentucky in the Champions Classic.

Next week should provide some really good tests for Hubert Davis’ team.

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UNC sets team-best points total under Hubert Davis in blowout win over American

UNC reached a

The UNC men’s basketball program is one of the country’s best at executing the up-tempo offense – and turning that into extremely-high point totals.

Particularly since Hubert Davis took over for the legendary Roy Williams as North Carolina’s (2-1) head coach, it seems like the offense is even more dangerous.

Under Hubert, the Tar Heels have now scored 100 points in a game eight times, most recently reaching 107 in Friday night’s blowout victory over American. Elliot Cadeau and Jalen Washington scored 18 points apiece to lead UNC, Seth Trimble and RJ Davis each added 13, while Cade Tyson rounded out the double-figure scoring with 11 points.

North Carolina led the visiting Eagles (1-3) just 43-34 at the half – and its defense was susceptible to hot shooting early – but North Carolina made a quick imprint on its victory with 64 second-half points.

Not only was the Tar Heels’ second-half scoring output its most in a half under Hubert, but its 107 total was also the most in a game during the Hubert era.

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Defensively, UNC limited American to just 21 points and 14.7 percent shooting in the second half.

“For this team to play at that pace, it is all tied to defense,” Hubert said. “I mean, it was the same way in the second half against Kansas. I mean, we got stops, and when you get stops and you finish it with the rebound, we’re pretty good in transition. I said at the beginning of the year, in order for us to be good in transition, one, you’ve got to be in the best shape of your life. And, two, there needs to be a full commitment. And there’s been a full commitment with these guys in regards to sprinting to offense and just the unselfishness of pitching the ball ahead, seeing the open guy and having multiple guys when you pitch the ball ahead that actually can attack the basket and do something with it. I just think it’s a huge benefit for us.”

North Carolina was clearly the better team in every area Friday night, but like Hubert alluded to, the game was largely decided offensively in fast break points. The Tar Heels held a whopping 23-0 advantage over the Eagles, who entered Friday’s non-conference matchup as one of the country’s slowest teams.

UNC’s previous points high under Hubert was 105, when it beat Charleston Southern, 105-60, two days before New Year’s Eve last year. They also beat Syracuse 103-67 on Jan. 13 this year, College of Charleston 102-86 on Veteran’s Day in 2022, lost 103-101 to Alabama on Nov. 27, 2022, beat Tennessee 100-92 in Chapel Hill on Nov. 29 last year, dominated rival NC State 100-80 on Jan. 29, 2022 and The Citadel 100-67 on Dec. 13, 2022.

Just how many more times can North Carolina reach the century-point threshold this season?

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Jalen Washington sets career-high, anchors post attack in UNC’s Friday night victory

Just exactly how good was Jalen Washington for the UNC men’s basketball team during Friday night’s dominating victory?

For what seemed like forever against American on Friday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels couldn’t drain a 3-pointer if they tried.

UNC missed its first nine attempts, not draining one until an electric, second-half make from Belmont transfer Cade Tyson. He finished 3-of-7 from deep as the only Tar Heel with multiple made threes.

RJ Davis, who’s usually automatic from deep, went 1-of-7 from the perimeter. Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble, who’ve both improved their 3-point shooting, were a combined 2-of-5 from deep. North Carolina was just 7-of-22 as a team.

Luckily for UNC, though, its inside game was giving the Eagles fits. No post player was more important for the Tar Heels than junior center Jalen Washington, who scored a career-high 18 points on a perfect, 6-of-6 mark from the field and career-best 6-of-7 output from the free throw line.

North Carolina finished its night 36-of-61 overall (59 percent) from the field. On a night where the perimeter shots weren’t falling, the Tar Heels were seemingly automatic from inside-the-arc.

“We felt like that was the best way for us to score,” Washington said of UNC taking the basketball inside. “Just taking advantage of that and being relentless down there, just dominating points in the paint. I feel like that was just opening up shots for guards, our wings just to be able to shoot and knock down threes, which they’re capable of doing and they’ve been doing.”

Not only was Washington scoring efficiently, but he was also showcasing a fire his teammates and coaches didn’t see last season, celebrating after and-ones, contested layups and thunderous dunks.

“Jay Wash is a really sweet, quiet giant, and I love that about him, but on the court I want the one that hits himself in the head (celebrating),” North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis said. “I want that all the time — not just for him, but for his teammates, which he does if he gets a rebound, or he dives on the floor. He’s a lot more confident. His personality is coming out.”

For a season in which we weren’t even sure that J-Wash was going to start for the Tar Heels, he’s sure taking advantage of his golden opportunity.

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