Pressure vs. Potential: UNC Basketball Enters a Crucial Season

Inside the Dean Dome at the annual Blue-White scrimmage, North Carolina showed early signs that this season could look different. The ball moved with more purpose, communication on defense was sharper, and the team’s overall energy felt more focused and cohesive–something that lacked in last year’s roster. After an unfortunate 2024–25 run, that shift matters.

Last Season's Stats

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) dribbles during the second half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game against the Mississippi Rebels at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels finished last season 23–14 overall and 13–7 in ACC play. They averaged 80.7 points per game but allowed 74.7, often struggling to close out defensively against stronger opponents. They shot 33.5% from three (290-of-866) and posted a 1.38 assist-to-turnover ratio with 547 assists to 397 turnovers.

The offense had scoring talent, but inconsistent spacing and decision-making limited its effectiveness. Defensively, the lack of performance at the perimeter and transitions was costly down the stretch and stood out most of the season.

New and Different Roster

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) shoots as guard Jaydon Young (4) defends in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

This year’s roster looks different in both character and structure. With most veterans gone, leadership is shifting to returning players like Seth Trimble and possibly experienced transfer Jarin Stevenson, along with a promising freshman class.

Trimble, now one of the most experienced Tar Heels, is expected to anchor the perimeter defensively. Stevenson, who flashed potential as a stretch forward, is in line for a larger role as a two-way contributor.

The junior brings skills that address some of last year’s weaknesses. Coming off of two well-performed seasons with Alabama, Stevenson looks to be one of Carolina’s many missing pieces. Kyan Evans is looking to be a poised point guard, giving UNC a true floor general who can organize the offense and manage the tempo.

Jonathan Powell adds perimeter shooting that can stretch defenses and create space on the court. Their early scrimmage performances suggested they’ll be ready to contribute quickly, opening the possibility of a threatening UNC team off the rip.

Coach Davis’ Strategy

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis during the first half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game against the Mississippi Rebels at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Hubert Davis has also made intentional adjustments to the team’s offensive construction. There’s an emphasis on spacing and using versatile lineups to give better looks from three and reduce turnovers, a primitive issue among last year’s roster. Defensively, Trimble’s presence and Stevenson’s agility give UNC options it didn’t always have last season.

Pressure Remains

UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson during a press conference on Oct. 9, 2025, inside the Smith Center media room. | Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

North Carolina hasn’t fully matched its preseason expectations in recent years, and another inconsistent season would raise real questions about whether this group can break through.

But the potential is also clear. The combination of returning defenders, improved offensive structure, and skilled freshmen gives UNC a foundation to build on.

Whether the Tar Heels can turn that foundation into results will define their season. The gap between pressure and potential has been wide lately–closing it is the challenge this season.

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