This offseason in Chapel Hill has been anything but quiet, and one of the biggest stories belongs to sophomore forward James Brown, who has undergone a transformation that has Tar Heel fans buzzing.
Brown isn’t just another returning player looking to take a step forward — he’s completely rebuilt his body, adding an impressive 25 pounds of muscle since last season. It’s one of the most dramatic physical transformations in recent UNC memory, and it speaks to the larger theme surrounding the program right now: growth, discipline, and an evolving culture that is setting the tone for what could be a defining season.
In a recent interview with TarHeel247, Brown opened up about what has been happening behind the scenes, and his perspective revealed just how much has changed in the team’s day-to-day approach. According to him, the work ethic across the board is on a different level.
“You walk through the Smith Center and everybody’s with a coach watching film, or everybody’s coming into the gym two or three hours early,” Brown said with a laugh. “If anything, people are here too early. You got coaches looking at us like, ‘Man, y’all not going home.’”
That kind of hunger and drive is exactly what fans have been hoping to hear from this group. After seasons of inconsistency and the high expectations that come with wearing Carolina Blue, it seems that this roster has embraced the challenge of elevating their standard.
But Brown’s insight didn’t stop with weight room progress and extra film sessions. He also shed light on the team’s new level of openness to coaching, not just from Hubert Davis and his staff but also from teammates and even Tar Heel alumni who still maintain close ties to the program. This willingness to learn and adapt is what Brown believes could separate this team from those in recent years.
One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation came when Brown spoke about UNC’s revamped frontcourt, a unit that has undergone major changes. He highlighted transfer center Henri Veesaar, whose arrival brings versatility and international experience that could immediately impact the rotation. He also pointed to Caleb Wilson and Zayden Highas players who have been raising the bar during practices.
And then there’s the newcomer, Luka Bogavac, an international addition whose presence is already generating curiosity within the team. Brown admitted he’s been impressed by what Bogavac brings to the table and is eager to see how his unique style meshes with UNC’s system.
For Brown himself, this offseason has been about more than just building muscle — it’s about becoming the kind of player who can lead by example. His physical transformation mirrors the mental and cultural transformation that he sees spreading through the team. The message is clear: this year’s Tar Heels are not content with simply showing up. They’re working to reclaim an edge, to compete at the highest level, and to bring back the kind of toughness and chemistry that once made UNC basketball the standard.
As Brown put it, this isn’t just about him bulking up — it’s about a program-wide reset, a culture shift where players are pushing themselves and each other in ways that haven’t been seen in years. And if the early signs hold true, this new mindset could make all the difference when the season tips off.
Leave a Reply