North Carolina Ranks 21st in Sports Illustrated’s College Basketball Preseason Top 25

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North Carolina Ranks 21st in Sports Illustrated’s College Basketball Preseason Top 25

North Carolina has been ranked 21st in Sports Illustrated’s preseason Top 25 for college basketball, as the publication continues its countdown until October 31. This position coincides with significant pressure on head coach Hubert Davis as he enters the 2025-26 season.

Challenges Ahead for Hubert Davis

Although Davis led North Carolina to the national title game and secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament during his tenure, recent seasons have not met expectations. Notably, the Tar Heels fell short of the tournament after starting as the preseason favorite in 2023. Last season was particularly challenging, with the team managing only one victory in 12 games against top-tier opponents, known as Quad 1 games.

Roster Changes

This season marks a significant restructuring for Davis, with only one rotation player, veteran guard Seth Trimble, returning. The new roster overhaul includes several newcomers who will need to step up for the team to reclaim national relevance.

Key Players to Watch

PG: Kyan Evans – Adds shooting but may share ball-handling duties.
SG: Seth Trimble – Expected to be a major contributor, known for his offensive drives.
SF: Luka Bogavac – An experienced overseas player with scoring ability.
PF: Caleb Wilson – Highly regarded freshman with significant potential.
C: Henri Veesaar – A 7-foot center from Arizona, a critical addition for both offensive and defensive play.

Offensive Strategy Adjustments

This season presents a unique challenge as Davis lacks a standout point guard to lead the offense. While Kyan Evans is a promising shooter, he may not fulfill the traditional point guard role. Trimble could emerge as the primary scorer, yet he lacks the elite status of previous star, RJ Davis. To counter this, North Carolina may need to rethink its offensive strategies, focusing on more than just isolation plays.

Looking Forward

While the roster appears more balanced than last year’s, the pressure remains high for Davis and the team. They will need to find solutions to compete effectively with strong ACC rivals such as Duke and Louisville. If Wilson can adapt quickly to college play, North Carolina may be poised for a comeback season.

As the season progresses, the performance of newly integrated players and the overall chemistry of the team will be crucial for North Carolina’s chances of improving its standing and making a serious run in the NCAA tournament.