All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Great Now on 'Hottest of Seats' in Nashville

UNC basketball gem Jerry Stackhouse desperately needs his Vanderbilt squad to string together victories before it's too late.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Mid-1990s UNC basketball star Jerry Stackhouse has been Vanderbilt's head coach for five years without a single NCAA Tournament bid to show for it. He's sitting at 67-85 overall and 6-16 (1-8 SEC) this season. Only one of this campaign's wins came against a power-conference opponent, and none are of the top-100 variety, per KenPom.

And on Tuesday night, his Commodores fell hard in Nashville to No. 17 Kentucky, 109-77, the most points the program has allowed on its home floor in 28 years.

Last week, Burner Ball college hoops insider "Trilly Donovan" observed that the "wheels have fallen off" for Stackhouse at Vanderbilt and questioned whether the 49-year-old from Kinston, N.C., will "have enough juice with the boosters to get another year."

Then, following this week's further-deflating defeat at the hands of John Calipari's Wildcats, The Tennessean's Aria Gerson opined that it may be only a matter of time before Vanderbilt gives Stackhouse the boot. She referred to the former 18-year NBA wing's current cushion as "the hottest of seats."

However, Gerson explained that chances are Jerry Stackhouse keeps his job at least until the end of the season:

"History, both of Vanderbilt individually and college basketball as a whole, suggests that a change is not likely to be imminent. Just because a firing may not happen immediately doesn't mean it's not still coming, though."

The UNC basketball treasure, who spent two years as a head coach in the G League between brief stints as an assistant in the NBA before assuming the reins at Vanderbilt, is hoping to avoid a 1-17 conference record this go-round.

After all, as Gershon pointed out, that would be the second-worst mark in program history, and the worst, 0-18, coincided with the firing of Stackhouse's predecessor, Bryce Drew, in 2019.

Yes, he likely has to orchestrate a turnaround similar to the one that began this time last year when his Commodores reeled off victories in 10 of 11 outings and ended up winning four postseason games between the SEC Tournament and NIT. That said, Vandy's 16 losses this season are already one more than the 2022-23 team compiled.

No Excuses for Puzzling Drop in Tar Heel Enthusiasm

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more updates on former Tar Heels and other UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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