Hubert Davis Wants More — And UNC Might Be on the Edge of Something Scary Good

Hubert Davis Wants More — And UNC Might Be on the Edge of Something Scary Good

The North Carolina Tar Heels sit at 8–1, winning with consistency, depth, and the kind of calm confidence that only comes from a team built to grow. But even with the strong start, head coach Hubert Davis isn’t celebrating. Not yet. Not until his Tar Heels conquer one challenge that has defined every great Carolina team in history.

And he’s made that goal clear.

Davis’ Standard: The Day UNC Dominates Inside and From Deep

After the win over Georgetown, Hubert Davis didn’t talk about the score or the record. His focus was on potential.

“I’m looking forward to the day where we dominate points in the paint and are hot from three-point range.”

It’s a simple sentence — but it’s also a blueprint.

Tar Heel fans know exactly why those words matter.
UNC is at its most terrifying when the inside game bullies opponents and the shooters catch fire.

Think back:

• 2022: Armando Bacot’s dominance inside + Caleb Love’s clutch shooting
• 2017 Championship Run: Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks inside, with Joel Berry heating up outside
• 2009 Dynasty-Level Team: Hansbrough in the paint, Ellington raining fire from deep

Every legendary UNC squad had both elements clicking.
This year’s team? They’ve shown flashes  but not both at once.

And that’s exactly what Davis is waiting for.

Caleb Wilson & Henri Veesaar: The Modern Carolina Frontcourt

If UNC is going to reach that level, it starts with the emerging powerhouse duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.

They’ve already taken over multiple games with their size, length, and efficiency. Their inside presence has carried UNC through moments when the perimeter shooting wasn’t falling.

Their playstyle feels like a throwback  strong, skilled, smart interior basketball  but with modern versatility.
And when they’re rolling, the Heels look like a Final Four team.

The missing piece?
The perimeter shooting joining the party consistently.

UNC’s Threes: Moments of Fire, Moments of Silence

The Tar Heels have had big shots this season, but they haven’t hit the stretch of games where both the paint and the arc are synchronized. Not yet anyway.

When that moment arrives — and Davis believes it will — UNC becomes a complete team:

• Defensive length
• Experienced guards
• Skilled bigs
• Reliable shooting

If it ever clicks all at once, this team won’t just win games.
They’ll overwhelm opponents.

The Trimble Effect: Help Is Coming

UNC is doing all of this without senior captain Seth Trimble, who is recovering from injury. His return is expected to elevate:

• Perimeter defense
• Ball movement
• Three-point spacing
• Leadership in crunch time

Carolina has been very good without him.
With him?
They could become something else entirely.

Even national voices like Dick Vitale, who recently praised what Trimble brings to the program, know how important he is to UNC’s ceiling.

A Team Built for March — If Timing Meets Talent

We’re only a quarter into the season, and this group is still building chemistry. That’s what makes them so intriguing:

• They’re 8–1
• They’re winning without their senior captain
• Their stars are just beginning to understand how good they can be
• And they haven’t even hit their “complete performance” yet

Hubert Davis sees it.
Tar Heel fans feel it.
And the ACC should probably start preparing now.

Because when UNC finally dominates inside and turns red-hot from three — the kind of basketball Davis demands — this team won’t just be a top-25 squad.

They’ll be a team capable of chasing banners.