Tag: UNC Basketball

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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Big Ten program leads as UNC recruiting target sets decision date

Decision day looms for five-star UNC football recruiting target Kendre Harrison.

The recruitment for five-star tight end Kendre Harrison will be coming to an end in the coming weeks as programs will soon learn their fate in the recruitment.

The North Carolina native has officially set a decision date for November 30th, providing a key update to his recruitment. Harrison has a total of 30 offers but will decide between North Carolina, Oregon, Florida State, Tennessee, Miami, and Penn State. However, one program is emerging as the favorite.

And it’s the Oregon Ducks.

As soon as Harrison announced that he would be making his decision on November 30th, the Ducks picked up a crystal ball from 247Sports insider Tom Loy. He also received a prediction from Steve Wiltfong of On3 on Monday as well.

That’s terrible news for North Carolina, a program that was hoping to land a commitment from Harrison not only as a football prospect but a basketball player as well.

Harrison is ranked as a five-star recruit, No. 9 nationally, the No. 1 tight end and No. 2 player in the state of North Carolina per 247Sports. But he’s also a top 50 player in basketball rankings as well, offering that dual-sport ability.

The Tar Heels have put a full-court press on Harrison, using Julius Peppers as a tool in recruiting him. He’s been on UNC’s campus a number of times and the thought of him playing basketball as well would have seemingly helped their chances.

But it appears as if he’s heading to a football powerhouse out West.

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UNC falls in latest USA TODAY Sports coaches poll

Here’s where the UNC basketball program is ranked in the updated USA TODAY Sports coaches poll.

North Carolina had just one game last week, taking care of American University on Friday night. With the win, the Tar Heels improve to 2-1 ahead of a road trip to Hawai’i.

When the Tar Heels face Hawai’i on Friday night, they will do so as the No. 12 team in the country. For the second straight week, UNC fell in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll. This time, they did with a win.

The Kentucky Wildcats jumped UNC; they went up seven spots after beating Duke last week. The Blue Devils fell four spots to No. 10 but are still ahead of UNC in the updated poll.

Check out the full men’s poll below:

Rank Team Record Points
1 Kansas 4-0 665 (21)
2 UConn 3-0 632 (3)
3 Auburn 3-0 608 (2)
4 Gonzaga 3-0 599 (1)
5 Iowa State 2-0 516
6 Purdue 4-0 513
7 Houston 2-1 470
7 Alabama 3-1 470
9 Tennessee 4-0 462
10 Duke 3-1 421
11 Kentucky 3-0 381
12 North Carolina 2-1 377
13 Creighton 4-0 348
14 Marquette 4-0 319
15 Baylor 3-1 313
16 Cincinnati 3-0 229
17 Arizona 2-1 228
18 Indiana 3-0 208
19 Florida 4-0 168
20 Illinois 3-0 133
21 St. John’s 4-0 119
22 Texas Tech 3-0 95
23 Texas A&M 3-1 94
24 Arkansas 2-1 82
25 Wisconsin 4-0 75

North Carolina will face Hawai’i and then participate in the Maui Invitational the following week. It opens that event against Dayton but could face No. 5 Iowa State, No. 3 Auburn or No. 2 UConn in a loaded event.

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Tar Heels stay even, Duke falls in Week 3 AP Poll Top 25

Tar Heels stay even, Duke falls in Week 3 AP Poll Top 25

After a slow week with just one game at the end of last week, North Carolina stayed as the No. 10 team in the country in Week 3 of the AP Poll Top 25 rankings.

North Carolina closed their first week of play with a rough loss to the top-ranked team in the nation, Kansas. However, they bounced back in mighty fashion in their only game last week beating American 107-55.

The first-half woes continued as the team took just a nine-point lead into the break before exploding in a huge second half. The Tar Heels eventually won by over 50 points and put up more than 100 points.

Jalen Washington walked away from that game dropping his career-high 18 points with three rebounds. Elliot Cadeau was one point shy of his career-high also with 18 points and eight assists.

RJ Davis continued to struggle shooting the ball with just 13 points on 5-of-13 from the floor and 1-for-7 from behind the arc. Some players entered the stat sheet for the first time this season including Dante Mayo Jr. and Russell Hawkins.

Even better news for UNC basketball fans is that Duke, their archrival in the ACC, has fallen to No. 12 on the AP Poll after suffering a loss to Kentucky, the new No. 9 team.

Most of the top 10 teams remained the same. Purdue joined Kentucky by  jumping into the top 10 while Duke and Arizona both fell out.

North Carolina will take on Hawai’i next on Saturday as it prepares for a rigorous Maui Invitational schedule at the beginning of next week.

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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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Hubert Davis says UNC needs this transfer to play at a high level

Hubert Davis says UNC needs Cade Tyson to play at a high level moving forward.

North Carolina was able to get back on track Friday night, taking care of business against American University in a nonconference game in the Dean Dome.

With a 2-1 record heading into a big couple of weeks in Hawai’i, the Tar Heels will be tested, especially in the Maui Invitational. While it’s still early in the season, we are getting a feel for how the rotations will look and how Hubert Davis is managing things.

Davis pointed to one player they landed in the transfer portal as someone who needs to play at a high level moving forward: Cade Tyson.

“I’ve said a number of times in regards to Cade, he’s a basketball player,” Davis said after the game. “Yes, he can shoot the basketball, but he can defend, he can rebound, he’s a good passer, he understands how to play on both ends of the floor, and he’s somebody that we need playing at a high level. And I was happy that tonight he played with confidence, and I was really, really proud of him.”

Tyson has struggled early this season, scoring just two points combined against Elon and Kansas. Against American, Tyson played better.

He finished with 11 points on 50% shooting from the field including some 3-pointers. He found his groove for the first time and the Tar Heels are hoping that continues this season.

Tyson can be a key piece for the Tar Heels off the bench, giving them a legit perimeter threat. But he has to be consistent and play at that high-level Davis was talking about.

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UNC basketball guards figure out new roles, might have a new top option

Can the two guards perfect the 1A and 1B roles alongside each other?

Through three games this season, it is clear North Carolina has one of, if not the best backcourt in the country. Fifth-year senior and reigning ACC Player of the Year, RJ Davis, and improved sophomore Elliot Cadeau are making waves in college basketball.

However, this season has proven very different than last. Rob Harrington of Inside Carolina finds the same intriguing theme as I do: Can Cadeau and Davis perfect the dynamics and role shifts this season.

We talk about (role assimilation) every season. Last year, we didn’t have to spend a lot of time on it because the roles filled in so immediately. Number one, it’s Elliot Cadeau’s team. Now, I was a resistor after the preseason. We talked a little bit about it in the preseason roundtable, but it would take a lot to knock me off that line at this point. And it’s not about how RJ Davis isn’t shooting well, it’s about the fact that the entire team seems to respond to Cadeau.

None of that was a knock on RJ Davis, Harrington has very positive thoughts on the star-shooting guard as well.

He’s a scorer, and last year they did tons and tons of stuff for him, high screen after high screen. He does one, he does another one, and he starts looking for a shot. And this year it doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to play that way. I don’t think it’s a matter of being selfish or unwilling to do it, but it’s going to be a big adjustment for an All-American player to now have to be 1B, maybe even number two, and I think that’s going to take some time. I don’t think I see him getting frustrated. I don’t think he’s going to have a bad year because he has too much heart for that.

It will undoubtedly take time for Davis and Cadeau to perfect this new pairing. However, by midseason we could see as good of a backcourt as UNC basketball has ever seen.

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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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