Hubert Davis Talks the Tar Heels Slow Starts

Rebounding has been the North Carolina Tar Heels' calling card this season, but over the last two games, that strength has been marginalized for stretches. While North Carolina defeated East Tennessee State 77-58 on Tuesday night, the first half was a struggle for the Tar Heels.

East Tennessee State totaled five offensive rebounds for nine second-chance points in that span, which prevented North Carolina from creating significant separation heading into halftime.

Dec 16, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; ETSU Buccaneers forward Cam Morris III (15) blocks the shot from North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels went through similar difficulties against USC Upstate on Saturday, as North Carolina allowed a handful of offensive rebounds in the first half.

While speaking with the media during his postgame press conference, head coach Hubert Davis spoke on the Tar Heels struggling out of the gates, failing to adapt to the flow of the game.

Davis' Thoughts

Dec 16, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; ETSU Buccaneers forward Cam Morris III (15) gets fouled by North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kyan Evans (0) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

"I don't want them to take time because every team is different," Davis said. "When you go into conference play, everybody has a way that they play on both ends of the floor. I don't want to get off to slow starts. I felt like we did. It wasn't just defensively. I didn't feel like we were sharp on the offensive end. I think the first 12 shots that we took, seven of them were from three."

"We always talk about wanting to dominate points in the paint through post or penetration," Davis continued. "I love threes, but early in the shot clock, if we can get a layup or a dunk or a deep post catch or get fouled and get to the free-throw line, I like that better than a quick three."

Dec 16, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) drives between ETSU Buccaneers guard Jaylen Smith (4) and forward Blake Barkley (13) during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

"I thought on both ends of the floor it took us a little while to get into the rhythm, and once we did, which it started with us defensively, I felt like it translated on the offensive end as well," Davis said.

Davis was asked if he had an explanation for the team's sluggish starts in these last two games, and while he did not provide one specific reason, he did point to the lack of consistency in his team's execution.

Dec 2, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis watches the action across the court during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

"No, I don't. I wouldn't necessarily say that we've consistently gotten off to slow starts," Davis said. "I would say that at times we haven't been consistent at the beginning, where we've gotten off to a fast start and then we had a four- or six-minute lull on both ends of the floor. We allow a team to come back. We're in a situation where maybe we could extend the lead."

"The consistency, that's one of the biggest things with this team, is just playing at that high level," Davis said. "We've shown that we can be there, but the consistency to be able to do that for a full 40 minutes."

Please follow us on X when you click right HERE! Please make sure you follow us today on our Facebook page when you click right HERE!

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Tar Heels when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW