ACC Tipoff: UNC Mens Basketball 2023 Season Preview

CHARLOTTE, N.C – Entering his third season as the head coach of the Tar Heels men’s basketball, Hubert Davis has led the men of the Tar Heels to many accolades and memories to look back on.

Coach Davis stated “It’s a privilege to be a Carolina basketball player and a Carolina student. RJ & Armando are examples of just that. Adding my own traditions and own values means to take my own personal experiences and build.”

Armando Bacot a six foot eleven starting forward and center has made his mark at UNC as the years passed through. Recognized by many, in his senior season he continued to have a stride about him that allowed people to turn heads.

For the 2022-23 season, Bacot averaged out 15.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and scoring proficiently with a 55.4 percent field goal per game. These skillful numbers led to him backing up his name in the long run and he is continuing his run for one more year. In his senior year, he earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, USBWA, Sporting News, and College Hoops Today, which speaks enough volumes.

In return for history made with him, he has tied up with a rival opponent at third for the ACC for double-doubles and marks fifth in rebounds. He remarks some moments as he mentioned that this was his last year with the team. The experience and traveling with their teammates have been the best for him, and this year introducing new guys on the roster. 

“It’s been refreshing and great having a bunch of new faces because we get a lot of different perspectives from them coming from. All of these guys are hungry, and I think that is great, especially just how last year went. Having a fresh start with new faces.” stated Bacot

RJ Davis, leading the team and steering the new teammates in the right way. As he is now considered a veteran, he looks to win a national championship and through his leadership, he holds himself and his team accountable and makes sure they are doing the little things required to accomplish their goals.

Last season Davis produced 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while holding a percentage of 43.8 in the field goal per game, he is looking to keep that grit within the identity of the UNC basketball team.

Davis has racked up to being recognized in his junior season leading the ACC in free-throwing shooting with an honorable mention All-ACC and second team All-ACC Tournament, Academic All-ACC, and many more.  A leadership style to the new roster changes has allowed him to “lead by example,” as he states.

“We have a lot of guys that want it and play with a chip on the shoulder and they all came to Carolina for a reason. I think they are all excited to put that jersey on and run out of the tunnel.” Davis expressed.

As the new roster changes for the Tar Heels, adaptability has become their key. The Tar Heels must show their determination when they take on the Radford Highlanders, on Nov. 6, 2023.