Not a bad ranking for this UNC squad.
The 2023-2024 North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team is ranked 19th in the first AP Poll. When you consider the roster turnover and how last season went, this is fair. However, with the talent the team has, there is reason to believe they can achieve great things this season.
Looking Forward
UNC will have plenty of chances to prove itself this season. They play a loaded non-conference schedule before heading into an always-tough ACC. Many of the Tar Heels opponents are ranked as well. The good news is, UNC will have a veteran-led team. There are plenty of players who know what a grind the season is. This team has players who have been tested. Returners R.J. Davis and Armando Bacot have played in the national championship. Transfers Cormac Ryan, Harrison Ingram, and Jae’Lyn Withers have been through tough conference schedules. Most of this UNC team is upperclassmen and should be ready when it is time to step up.
Freshman Impact
Coaches and the media have raved about Elliot Cadeau’s talent. His passing is always highlighted. He was one of the best players in last year’s recruiting class and should be ready to produce immediately. Cadeau looked great both scoring and passing at the ‘late night’ event that UNC hosted. Zayden High was not thought to be a guy that would play early, but during the ‘late night’ scrimmage, he played very well. High had high energy, scored, rebounded, and defended well. His motor may get him on the court more than people originally assumed.
Ranked Opponents
2. Duke
6. UCONN
9. Tennessee
10. FAU (Secret Scrimmage)
13. Miami
16. Kentucky
22. Villanova (Possibly)
This will be a hungry UNC team hoping to make up for last season’s blunder.
Thank you for reading CarolinaHQ. Please follow us on Twitter at @TheCarolinaHQ and our Facebook group for the latest news and stories about the Tar Heels. For feedback, questions, concerns or to apply for a writing position, please email us at thecarolinahq@gmail.com or direct message us on Twitter at @TheCarolinaHQ. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the fastest-growing North Carolina sports sites. We cover all sports and would love to have you read and be interested in our content!