4 Stats UNC Must Carry Into 2026-27 Season

Not everything went wrong for North Carolina last season. These four statistical strengths could give Michael Malone a strong foundation heading into year one.

Dec 13, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; A view of the center court logo at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While the end result wasn’t up to par with the North Carolina standard, there are some key things the Tar Heels can carry with them from last season to the next. 

While some areas on the stat sheet need improvement, the Heels showed strength in others, and heading into next season, they should aim to keep it that way. 

Turnover Percentage

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) dribbles the ball against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Heels were a relatively clean team last season. As a matter of fact, almost too clean. They boasted a 12.2% adjusted turnover percentage, one of the lowest among Power Five schools. 

The issue is that while they protected the ball well, they struggled to take it away from the other team. If next season they can continue to protect the ball and learn to take it from opponents, it could give them a major advantage throughout the season.

Personal Fouls

North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrates after scoring Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. VCU Rams won 82-78 in OT. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Speaking of playing clean, the Tar Heels were among the least penalized teams last season, with only 14.7 personal fouls per game. Only Minnesota had a lower rate than them among all Power Five teams.

Keeping this clean play can be a good set of rules to live by, but there’s a fine line between playing clean and not being aggressive enough. Carolina needs to play with an aggressive mindset, while also staying out of foul trouble, a fine line to walk in college basketball. 

Defensive Rebounds Per Game

Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) and Duke Blue Devils forward Maliq Brown (6) reach for the ball in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

When it came to rebounding, Carolina was often able to use its size to its advantage and consistently grab defensive rebounds. They ranked ninth overall in defensive rebounds per game, a stat that will need to continue into next season.

The issue came on the offensive side of the ball. The Tar Heels ranked below average in offensive rebounding per game, which could be a major point of emphasis with Michael Malone heading into year one. The Heels will have to put a lot of stock into winning the rebound battle on both ends of the court if they want any chance of success this season.

Opponent Two-Point Percentage

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; VCU Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. (6) dribbles the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

For the most part, the Tar Heels did an excellent job of making their opponent take difficult shots from inside the arc. According to KenPom, North Carolina’s opponents shot only 46.2% from two-point range, one of the lowest rates in the country.

Safe to say that’s some great company to be in. They’ll need to keep this stat as a priority in order to compete in a loaded ACC with some talented players in the paint.