Tag: North Carolina

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Hubert Davis plans to hire a general manager to handle NIL and the transfer portal, reports say

Hubert Davis looks towards the court in the 2nd half

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis is planning to make changes to the basketball program’s staffing, including hiring a general manager to handle the challenges of the NIL era, where players can profit from their fame.

Davis discussed these plans during his radio show on Monday night. The changes come as the Tar Heels face the possibility of missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years.

“The old model for Carolina basketball just doesn’t work,” Davis said, referring to previous structures that relied mostly on coaches. “It’s not sustainable. It has to build out because there’s so many things in play with NIL, the transfer portal, agents, international players.”

Davis became the head coach in 2021, taking over during a time when players could move freely through the transfer portal and make money through NIL deals, allowing them to use their name, image, and likeness for endorsements.

In response, many schools have expanded their staffs, making them resemble small professional front offices. This includes hires for roles like “player personnel” or scouting, such as at UNC, where new football coach Bill Belichick and former NFL executive Michael Lombardi were brought in as the program’s GM.

Different schools have different needs, but the trend is clear: the role of running a major college sports program today is too much for just the coaching staff to handle.

Several programs, including Duke, have hired a general manager. After Jon Scheyer took over at Duke in 2022, he brought in former Nike and NBA staffer Rachel Baker. When Davis took over for Roy Williams, he didn’t hire a GM, but after seeing how much has changed, he’s now planning to do so.

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis looks towards Elliot Cadeau in the 1st half

“I am going to increase the staff, and it’s needed,” Davis said. “I never would’ve thought in the four years that I took the job that I’m 100% (on) what is needed is a general manager.”

He explained, “There’s just so much stuff out there. I’ve mentioned: owner, GM, fundraiser, basketball coach. It’s so much on the plate that will take you away from doing what the most important thing is, coaching basketball. So yes, we’re going to hire a GM.

We need a director of marketing and fundraising for NIL, for program needs. There needs to be video coordinator with graphics and recruiting coordinator, all those different types of stuff that have to be built out, whether it’s from specific hires or grad students.”

These changes could help stabilize a program that has seen wild swings during Davis’ four years. His first season ended in a surprising run to the NCAA championship game. However, the next season, the Tar Heels became the first No. 1-ranked preseason team to miss the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, UNC won the ACC regular season and earned a No. 1 seed in the tournament. But this year, with a 13-10 record and 6-5 in the ACC, the Tar Heels are once again on the edge of the bubble, having lost four of their last five games before facing Pittsburgh on Saturday.

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In Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels head into their rivalry game against No. 2 Blue Devils with little time left to strengthen their NCAA hopes

Cooper Flagg high fives Jon Scheyer in the 2nd half

RJ Davis can find some comfort in knowing he’s been through a similar situation before.

Nearly three years ago, his North Carolina team wasn’t sure if it would make the NCAA Tournament as they prepared to face rival Duke on the occasion of Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement.

In a surprise, the Tar Heels won, and that victory propelled them on a surprising run to the NCAA title game, including another win over the Blue Devils in the Final Four, which ended Coach K’s career.

Now, as Davis enters his fifth and final year, the Tar Heels are hoping for a similar boost from Saturday’s game against Duke. The second-ranked Blue Devils are playing well and are considered a favorite for the NCAA title, while the Tar Heels are uncertain about making the 68-team field.

“Going into that game in 2022, our backs were against the wall, people didn’t really believe in us, but we believed in ourselves,” Davis said. “And that’s what got us over the hump, that’s what allowed us to make that run. And that’s the same way of how I feel about this team right now.”

But the Tar Heels (13-9, 6-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) need to pick up their pace quickly.

Hubert Davis shouts to his team in the 2nd half

They started the year ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 poll with Davis as the only returning first-team Associated Press All-American. However, by mid-December, they were unranked after losses to several top teams, including No. 1 Auburn, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Florida, No. 7 Michigan State, and No. 11 Kansas.

While they’ve had some strong performances, they’ve failed to keep it up. They’ve lost three of their last four games, including one-point losses to Stanford and Wake Forest. Their only win during that stretch was an overtime victory at home against a Boston College team with just one conference win.

“I mean, you change one possession in (some) of their games, their record looks a lot different,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “So the respect level we have for them is as high as it can be.”

The Tar Heels are at risk of missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years, following a season in which they won the ACC regular-season title and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

“I think the challenge in that is to face this challenge with positivity,” RJ Davis said. “I think that’s how my approach is going to be with this team. Yes, we’ve lost three out of the four. OK, cool, but how are we going to respond?”

The immediate challenge is matching up against the bigger Blue Devils (18-2, 10-0), who have the longest winning streak in the country at 14 games and a national player of the year candidate in freshman Cooper Flagg, who stands 6-foot-9.

One big concern for the Tar Heels is their lack of consistent post play after the departure of five-year big man Armando Bacot. This has left much of the offensive load on an undersized perimeter, with the defense struggling against top big men.

Top scorers Davis (17.6), freshman Ian Jackson (14.7), junior Seth Trimble (12.3), and sophomore point guard Elliot Cadeau (10.7) are all 6-4 or shorter. Meanwhile, Cade Tyson, a 6-7 wing transfer from Belmont, has struggled and barely played.

This puts the Tar Heels at a disadvantage against Duke, where every player in the main rotation stands 6-5 or taller.

RJ Davis and Chad Venning in the 1st half

“They’re athletic, they’re long, they can cover a lot of space. … They also have the ability to switch everything,” Hubert Davis said. “When teams do that, just like Pitt did us in the second half (Tuesday), your spacing, your ball and player movement has to be on point. You have to find advantages and be able to take advantage of those mismatches.”

There’s a bigger issue for the Tar Heels beyond Saturday’s game. They have a 1-8 record in Quadrant 1 games, which are the most important for their postseason resume. Their only win in Quadrant 1 came against UCLA in New York shortly before Christmas.

The Duke game is the second of four straight games that could be considered Quadrant 1 games, including a Feb. 8 matchup at home against Pittsburgh and a visit to Clemson two days later.

After those, the Tar Heels will play a series of games that could hurt their NCAA chances. They have six games left against teams with an average NET ranking of 145.5, with only Florida State ranked inside the top 100. Their chances to get crucial wins are running out.

According to BracketMatrix, a website that tracks NCAA Tournament projections, the Tar Heels are currently an 11-seed in 48 of 84 mock brackets.

“We trust coach, we trust each other,” Jackson said. “And we believe in the work that we put in. We know what we do, we know what we work on, so just go out there and do it.”

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Basketball

North Carolina’s Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk

North Carolina's Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk
North Carolina's Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk

North Carolina barely escaped a third straight ACC loss, defeating Boston College in overtime. This win was crucial after recent narrow losses to Stanford and Wake Forest, both by just one point. However, it’s concerning for a program of UNC’s caliber to struggle against teams ranked outside the top-70 in KenPom.

UNC’s offense has been underwhelming this season, struggling both in the paint and on the perimeter. The absence of a true two-way center to replace Armando Bacot has exposed flaws. Jalen Washington and Ven-Allen Lubin, stepping into Bacot’s shoes, lack the same effectiveness, hurting the offensive flow and limiting opportunities for key players like RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau.

Three-point shooting has been a significant issue for the Tar Heels, with UNC ranking 243rd nationally at just 32.3%. In ACC play, that number has worsened to 31.3%, placing them 14th in the conference. Davis, shooting a career-low 29.5%, and other key players like Cadeau and Seth Trimble have contributed to this disappointing perimeter performance.

North Carolina's Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk
North Carolina’s Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk (NCAA)

Struggles Inside and Offensive Rebounding Hamper Scoring Opportunities

The lack of a strong inside presence has been detrimental to UNC’s offense. Without Bacot’s rebounding and post-scoring, the team has struggled in the paint. Additionally, UNC ranks 252nd nationally in offensive rebounding rate, failing to generate second-chance opportunities. This has significantly limited their ability to capitalize on missed shots and maintain consistent offensive pressure.

Despite these offensive struggles, there are potential fixes. Ian Jackson has had an impressive season, with a true shooting percentage above 60% and the best three-point shooting on the team. UNC could also benefit from a resurgence in Cade Tyson’s shooting. Although Tyson has struggled this season, his career 43% three-point shooting could be the key to improving the team’s perimeter game.

North Carolina’s defense has also regressed this season. After being ranked in the top-10 for defensive efficiency last year, UNC now sits just inside the top-50. The loss of versatile defenders like Harrison Ingram has weakened the team’s defense. The smaller backcourt, along with a lack of defensive depth in the frontcourt, has contributed to the team’s defensive struggles.

North Carolina's Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk
North Carolina’s Offensive and Defensive Struggles Put NCAA Tournament Hopes at Risk (NCAA)

Defensive Glass a Concern as Rebounding Numbers Decline

Rebounding has also been a key area of concern for UNC on the defensive end. Last season, the Tar Heels ranked 10th nationally in defensive rebounding; this year, they’ve dropped to 76th. The team’s inability to secure defensive rebounds has given opponents more opportunities, further hindering their defensive efficiency and overall performance.

Carolina’s small-ball lineups have not provided the necessary defensive stability. With small guards like Davis and Cadeau, the team has struggled against larger opponents. The lack of a defensive-minded power forward to replace Ingram has exacerbated this issue. As a result, UNC’s defensive rating has suffered, leading to more points allowed and less effective defensive schemes.

UNC’s hopes of making the NCAA Tournament are still alive, but their next few games are critical. With two important Quad 1 matchups against Pitt and Duke, the Tar Heels need at least one win to stay in contention for the tournament. Currently sitting at 1-7 in Quad 1 games, they have limited opportunities left to improve their resume.

The next week is crucial for North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament chances. The Tar Heels will face two tough Quad 1 opponents in Pitt and Duke. With just four remaining Quad 1 opportunities, including two games against the Blue Devils, UNC must secure a win to stay in the tournament race and avoid missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years.

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Are North Carolina Basketball Fans Stuck in the Past or Backing the Future?

Duke vs. North Carolina (NCAAB)

North Carolina has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, and its fan base remains one of the most passionate in the country.

The Tar Heels have enjoyed a legacy of success, with six national championships, multiple Final Four appearances, and a history of legendary players like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter.

However, as the program moves forward, many wonder if the fans are holding onto the past too tightly or if they are prepared to embrace a new era.

The success of North Carolina basketball over the decades is undeniable. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, under coaches like Dean Smith and Roy Williams, the team became synonymous with excellence.

With a history of winning and dominating in the ACC, it’s no surprise that many fans are fiercely protective of that tradition.

For many, the days of Michael Jordan sinking clutch shots or the team’s memorable championship runs are cherished memories that cement the program’s place as one of the greatest in NCAA history.

These moments have shaped the identity of Tar Heels fans, and some are reluctant to let go of the past.

However, as the years go on, the game of basketball is evolving. The style of play is faster, with a greater emphasis on three-point shooting and a more open court. North Carolina’s program, while still strong, has faced challenges in keeping up with these changes.

Under new head coach Hubert Davis, the team has looked to adjust to the modern game while honoring the principles that have made the Tar Heels successful.

The recent trend of more teams focusing on recruiting players for one-and-done seasons has also affected how North Carolina builds its roster, as they typically prioritize recruiting players who stay for multiple years.

This shift has led to some mixed results, with fans questioning whether this approach will continue to bring success.

The North Carolina (NCAAB)

Davis has a sense of Loyalty

Supporters of the program’s future argue that the team is on the right path. Davis is a former player with deep ties to the school, and he’s instilled a sense of loyalty and pride in his players.

His leadership aims to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that North Carolina stays competitive while adapting to the changing dynamics of college basketball.

Under his guidance, the team has had moments of success, and there’s a sense of optimism for the next generation of Tar Heels stars.

Yet, some fans remain nostalgic for the past. They long for the days when the team dominated the ACC with near-regularity and could count on its roster to feature future NBA stars.

The uncertainty of the program’s future leaves some feeling uneasy, as they wonder if the team can replicate the glory years or if they’ll fall behind other elite programs.

What many fans seem to forget is that the strength of a program doesn’t only come from its past but from its ability to evolve with the game.

While the success of previous decades should be honored and cherished, it is crucial to embrace change to keep the program relevant. The future of North Carolina basketball relies on balancing tradition with the flexibility to adapt.

As the season progresses, it’s clear that the fan base will continue to walk a fine line between honoring its storied past and supporting the new era of Tar Heels basketball.

While some may yearn for the glory of years gone by, others are eager to see what the future holds for the team.

What’s certain is that North Carolina fans, no matter their outlook, will continue to support their team through thick and thin.

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UNC Edges Boston College 102-96 in Overtime, Seth Trimble’s Double-Double Powers Tar Heels to Victory

North Carolina vs Boston College
North Carolina vs Boston College (NCAA)

North Carolina edged Boston College 102-96 in overtime, breaking a two-game losing streak at the Smith Center. A 6-0 run in the final 2:10 of OT sealed the victory as the Tar Heels clamped down defensively in crunch time. Despite BC’s season-high 14 three-pointers, UNC’s resilience in the closing moments propelled them to the win. Seth Trimble’s clutch performance in the final seconds of regulation, along with RJ Davis’s seven OT points, highlighted the Tar Heels’ tenacity.

UNC’s defensive focus emerged at pivotal moments, particularly during the final 18.6 seconds of regulation and throughout overtime. Coach Hubert Davis praised the team’s effort, emphasizing the crucial stops and deflections that turned the tide. Trimble and Davis combined for vital contributions, with Davis finishing as the team’s leading scorer, tallying 22 points, and shooting a flawless 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Their performances under pressure underscored the team’s determination to defend their home court.

Trimble’s Double-Double Leads Tar Heels’ Charge

Seth Trimble recorded his second career double-double, amassing 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in 43 minutes. His late-game heroics, including key free throws and a game-tying layup, exemplified his leadership. Trimble highlighted the team’s collective mindset, noting their commitment to winning in overtime and protecting their home record. His gritty effort, combined with strong play in the paint, proved instrumental in UNC’s victory.

North Carolina vs Boston College
North Carolina vs Boston College (NCAA)

Ian Jackson rebounded from recent shooting struggles, contributing 19 points, including 15 in the second half, and hitting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Jalen Washington matched his career-high with 18 points, scoring 12 in the first half and finishing with six rebounds and three assists. Their contributions fueled a season-high 58 points in the paint, showcasing UNC’s ability to dominate inside despite BC’s sharp three-point shooting.

BC’s offensive performance was impressive, shooting 55.9% in regulation and hitting a season-best 14 three-pointers at a 58.3% clip. The Eagles’ consistent scoring, led by Donald Hand Jr.’s 26 points and Dion Brown’s 20, kept them competitive throughout. Despite trailing in the first half, BC rallied to take multiple leads in the second half, testing UNC’s resolve until the final buzzer.

Overtime Drama Highlights Tar Heels’ Determination

The overtime period showcased UNC’s resilience and execution. RJ Davis scored seven of the team’s 13 points in OT, including a critical three-pointer and clutch free throws. Jalen Washington briefly exited with an injury but remained a key figure in the game. The Tar Heels outlasted the Eagles, whose scoring slowed in the final minutes as Chad Venning fouled out. UNC’s defensive stops and efficient scoring secured the hard-fought victory.

With the win, UNC improved to 13-8 overall and 6-3 in the ACC. The Tar Heels aim to build on this momentum with upcoming road games against Pitt and Duke. Coach Davis and the team will look to maintain their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency to continue climbing the conference standings. The triumph over Boston College serves as a testament to their ability to respond under pressure and find ways to win close games.

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NFL (American Football)

North Carolina reveals details of Bill Belichick’s contract in Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick speaks in a press conference

Bill Belichick has officially signed his contract with the University of North Carolina. On Thursday, the school made the details of his deal public, which runs through the end of 2029. Belichick had been working under a binding offer sheet since he was introduced as UNC’s head coach in December.

Salary and Income Structure

At 72 years old, Belichick will earn $10 million per year, with $1 million of that as his base salary. The remaining $9 million comes from monthly “supplemental income.” This makes Belichick one of the top-10 highest-paid coaches in college football. According to USA Today’s database, seven coaches earned at least $10 million in 2024, with Georgia’s Kirby Smart being the highest-paid coach at over $13 million.

Bonuses and Incentives

Belichick’s contract includes several performance-based bonuses. If North Carolina makes the College Football Playoff, he will receive a bonus of at least $750,000. If the team wins the national title, he will earn a $1.75 million bonus. His bowl bonus starts at $150,000, but if the team qualifies for a major bowl like the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Gator Bowl, or Duke’s Mayo Bowl, he will receive $350,000.

Bill Belichick in the 2nd half

If the Tar Heels finish the season ranked in the top 25 of the College Football Playoff rankings, Belichick will earn a bonus of at least $250,000.

Buyout and Contract Terms

The contract includes a buyout provision for Belichick. If he decides to leave the program before June 1, the university would owe him $10 million. After June 1, this buyout amount drops to $1 million.

If North Carolina fires Belichick without cause before the end of 2027, the university will need to pay him the remainder of his $1 million annual base salary, along with any unpaid bonuses and supplemental income.

Belichick’s Commitment

Despite interest from multiple NFL teams after the regular season, Belichick confirmed at his introductory news conference that he came to Chapel Hill with the intention to stay. He emphasized that he didn’t come to North Carolina “to leave,” and others have also backed his commitment to the university.