After cruising through an easy season opener, things get more challenging for UNC starting Friday night.
The Tar Heels began their campaign in dominant fashion, dismantling Central Arkansas 94–54. Many of UNC’s newcomers made an early impact — Kyan Evans looked confident running the offense, Luka Bogavac stuffed the stat sheet despite finding out he’d be cleared to play just half an hour before tipoff, and the frontcourt controlled the paint with ease. It was exactly the kind of comfortable blowout you’d expect from a team aiming to compete at a high level this season.
That said, Kansas’s trip to Chapel Hill on Friday night will be the first real test. The Jayhawks may not be as hyped as in previous years, but they still enter ranked No. 19 nationally. Here are three key storylines heading into the 7 p.m. showdown.
1. UNC’s outside shooting
If there was a blemish in UNC’s win over Central Arkansas, it was their inconsistent three-point shooting. The Tar Heels went 10-for-29 from deep, with a few late makes from Jaydon Young padding the numbers. Bogavac shot 1-for-5, Johnathan Powell 1-for-6, and only Evans connected more than once. The struggles mirrored their preseason form, when they hit just 31% from three across two exhibitions.
It’s fair to expect Bogavac to settle in with more game time, and both Powell and Jarin Stevenson are capable shooters. Considering last year’s squad also struggled from long range, it would be encouraging to see more consistency from beyond the arc — even if it doesn’t immediately translate into a win.
2. Caleb Wilson faces real defensive pressure
Central Arkansas provided little resistance for Wilson, who scored his first eight points on uncontested dunks as the Bears’ defense looked lost. Credit goes to UNC’s guards for their lob passes, but Wilson’s debut came against a team with no one capable of matching his athleticism.
Kansas will be a far different challenge. The Jayhawks may be slightly shorter overall, but they bring defensive toughness, having blocked eight shots in their 94–51 win over Green Bay. Freshman Flory Bidunga swatted three of those and could be one of several athletic defenders assigned to Wilson. Friday’s matchup should reveal how the talented freshman responds when he’s not getting easy looks.
3. Opportunity for a statement win
UNC had just one Quad 1 win last season — a major factor in why the team hovered on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Early-season wins like this can make a big difference in March. While it’s impossible to predict how strong Kansas will look by season’s end, a win over the Jayhawks almost always carries weight with the selection committee.
Beyond resume value, beating Kansas would help erase the perception that UNC struggles against elite competition. And, of course, there’s added satisfaction in topping another blue-blood program. A statement win on Friday could set the tone for a much stronger season ahead.
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