ACC’s new men’s basketball scheduling scheme delivers one NC State-UNC encounter, but no Duke-Miami showdown.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – In-state foes North Carolina and N.C. The state will meet just once next year, while Duke won’t play the Miami team, now coached by former Blue Devils assistant Jai Lucas, in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s reconfigured scheduling model.

The ACC announced its second set of home-and-away partners on Wednesday, following an earlier announcement that it would reduce its 20-game men’s basketball schedule to 18 games as part of its efforts to boost the sport amid recent years of dwindling NCAA Tournament bids.

The league had previously announced primary partners guaranteeing annual home-and-away matchups to create some protection for long-running series, such as famed rivals Duke and UNC or instate opponents Virginia and Virginia Tech. The second set of partners will change every year, while teams will play one game against 14 of the remaining 15 teams and miss playing one league school each year

The league’s secondary partners for 2025-26: Boston College-Miami, California-Georgia Tech, Clemson-Pittsburgh, Duke-Louisville, Florida State-SMU, UNC-Syracuse, N.C. State-Virginia, Notre Dame-Stanford, and Virginia Tech-Wake Forest.

As for the Tar Heels and Wolfpack, they’re separated by about a half-hour drive within the same area code, but the lone matchup this year will come on the Wolfpack’s home court in Raleigh. That will mark the first time UNC won’t have a home game against N.C. The state has been playing since 1919, after a long history of playing twice per year.

UNC Basketball secures huge commitment from foreign talent Luka Bogavac.

Tar Heels Clinch Share of ACC Title with Emotional Senior Night Win

The North Carolina Tar Heels secured at least a share of the ACC regular season title with a commanding win over Notre Dame on Tuesday night — a game filled with emotion as the program honored its seniors for their final appearance in the Dean Dome.

After a tight start, UNC pulled away with a big run late in the first half and then exploded out of halftime with a 16-0 surge that sealed the deal. The second half became a celebration, as the seniors took a well-earned victory lap in front of the home crowd.

Now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown with Duke in Durham. But before that, head coach Hubert Davis reflected on the night’s meaning and his team’s performance.

On staying focused for Senior Night:

“Our guys have done a great job all year of tuning out distractions and locking in,” Davis said. “Tonight, they were motivated — not just for Senior Night, but because they wanted that banner. They wanted to be ACC champs, something that hasn’t happened here in five years.”

On sharing the moment with the seniors:

“It was emotional seeing them with their families before tipoff,” he continued. “You don’t always get to stop and appreciate moments like this, but tonight we could. It was a celebration of everything these guys have meant to our team, this program, the university, and the community.”

On Armando Bacot’s legacy:

“Armando and RJ have been through so much — the pandemic, NIL changes, the transfer portal — and they stayed,” Davis noted. “Their perseverance and loyalty define their legacy. It’s rare now, and incredibly special. That’s what made tonight’s tears so meaningful — they’ve weathered storms and stayed true.”

On Cormac Ryan’s impact:

“The only tough part is I only got to coach him for one year,” Davis said of the veteran guard. “But what a year. He’s been our voice in the locker room, on the court, in the huddles. His leadership and intensity have left a lasting mark.”

On Bacot hitting two threes:

“He can shoot it, and I’ve given him the green light — at the right time,” Davis said with a smile. “But he’s such a force inside, I want him to keep dominating the paint. Still, if it’s in the bag, he can use it — and clearly, it’s in the bag!”

Hubert Davis Secures Late UNC Basketball Recruiting Victory Overseas

UNC Basketball Adds International Star Luka Bogavac to 2025-26 Roster

The UNC basketball team just got a major boost for the 2025–26 season with the addition of international standout Luka Bogavac — a dynamic, do-it-all wing from Montenegro.

As first reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Bogavac committed to the Tar Heels on Saturday morning, just a day after UNC emerged as the likely frontrunner for his services.

The 21-year-old impressed last season playing for SC Derby in the ABA League, where he averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Known for his steady improvement over four seasons, Bogavac shot an efficient 45.1% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 87.0% from the free-throw line, showcasing both offensive polish and perimeter consistency.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 201 pounds, Bogavac brings versatility, physicality, and savvy to a UNC roster in transition. He’s expected to defend multiple positions while providing a reliable scoring option on the wing.

With Bogavac’s commitment, head coach Hubert Davis has now brought in nine new faces to join returnees Seth Trimble and James Brown, as well as Zayden High, who re-enters the program after a year away. This fresh blend of talent could very well position the Tar Heels to crack the preseason AP Top 25.

And with one scholarship spot still open, Davis and his staff may not be done just yet. Stay tuned — the 2025–26 Tar Heels are shaping up to be a team to watch.

“Future Tar Heels? UNC’s INSANE 2027 Recruiting Board Just Dropped — Here’s Who Could Be Headed to Chapel Hill!”

Future Tar Heels? UNC’s INSANE 2027 Recruiting Board Just Dropped — Here’s Who Could Be Headed to Chapel Hill!

The future of Carolina Basketball is already taking shape — and if the early signals are any indication, Hubert Davis is cooking something special in Chapel Hill.

The Class of 2027 UNC Basketball Recruiting Board is starting to take form, and it’s loaded with elite talent, breakout stars, and rising national names who could soon don the Carolina Blue. While the players are just finishing their freshman year of high school, the Tar Heel staff isn’t wasting any time building early connections and identifying the next generation of potential superstars.

Here’s what we know so far:

Who’s on UNC’s Radar?

While official offers for 2027 prospects are still down the road, North Carolina has already been actively scouting and evaluating some of the country’s top young phenoms. The staff has reportedly made appearances at key grassroots events like the Nike EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, and PUMA PRO16 League, where 2027 standouts have been turning heads.

Names to watch include:

• Jayden Johnson (PG) – A lightning-quick floor general already being labeled “the next big thing” out of Texas. Scouts are raving about his court vision and leadership at just 15.

• Marcus Hall (SF) – A 6’7″ wing with elite length and bounce, drawing early comparisons to a young Harrison Barnes.

• Tyrese Carter (SG) – A high-volume scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and killer instinct — UNC has reportedly been keeping close tabs on him since middle school.

 Hubert Davis’ Long-Term Vision

Sources close to the program say Hubert Davis and his staff are emphasizing high character, basketball IQ, and versatility when scouting 2027 targets. The early recruiting strategy mirrors what we’ve seen in recent cycles: identify fit over flash, but never sacrifice star power.

And make no mistake — this board is full of potential one-and-done caliber talent.

The excitement surrounding the 2027 board is only growing as high school freshmen continue to make waves on the AAU circuit and in national rankings. With NIL now part of the equation, Carolina’s prestige, history, and media exposure give it a strong advantage against blue blood competitors like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas.

Expect UNC to extend its first official 2027 offers sometime in 2026, but the groundwork being laid now could define the Tar Heels’ future in the next 3–4 years.

It’s never too early to peek at the future — and for UNC basketball, the horizon looks blindingly bright. The 2027 class could be one of the most impactful in years, and if Hubert Davis can lock in a few of these early names, the Tar Heels may be on their way to another national title run sooner than anyone thinks.

Stay tuned. The future starts now.

UNC Basketball Meets Rivals in Battle for Coveted Forward

UNC Still in the Hunt for Five-Star Forward Toni Bryant

Five-star Florida prospect Toni Bryant has held a UNC basketball offer for several months now, and the Tar Heels are still actively recruiting the talented junior.

Roughly three months after extending an offer to the 6-foot-9, 200-pound standout from North Tampa Christian Academy, the UNC coaching staff continues to show strong interest. Over the weekend, UNC was one of nearly two dozen programs with coaches in attendance at the PUMA PRO16 League event in Wichita, Kansas, where Bryant showcased his skills against elite competition.

They weren’t the only top-tier program in the gym—coaches from bluebloods like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas also scouted Bryant. Additionally, head coaches from Missouri, LSU, Miami, and Kansas State were present, as well as assistants from schools like Cal, USF, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Texas, Gonzaga, Cincinnati, Xavier, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan, Arizona, and Purdue, according to League Ready’s Sam Kayser.

Bryant is currently ranked No. 13 nationally, No. 4 among power forwards, and No. 2 in the state of Florida in the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite.

Though he’s made visits to several programs—including a recent tour of NC State—and plans an official visit to Missouri in September, Bryant has yet to visit UNC or schedule a trip to Chapel Hill.

UNC Basketball continues its pursuit of the top New Jersey floor general.

UNC Basketball Keeping Close Tabs on 5-Star Guard Deron Rippey Jr. at 3SSB Event

The UNC basketball staff made sure to have boots on the ground this weekend to scout elite 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr.

A Tar Heel recruiter was spotted courtside during one of Rippey’s 3SSB games in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday. Of course, they weren’t alone — Rippey’s stock has exploded, and his dynamic play has drawn interest from a who’s who of college basketball powers, many of whom had coaches in attendance to watch the high-octane guard in action.

Rippey, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound five-star out of New Jersey, is currently ranked No. 19 nationally, No. 5 among point guards, and sits atop the state rankings, per the 247Sports Composite for the 2026 class.

On Saturday morning, he backed up those numbers — and then some. Leading his New Heights team past Dream Vision, Rippey posted an impressive stat line of 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals, showcasing the well-rounded skill set and athleticism that have fueled his meteoric rise in the rankings over the past year.

UNC, which offered Rippey back in December, was joined by a large contingent of top-tier programs tracking the Blair Academy standout. According to HS Top Recruits, the crowd featured coaches from fellow bluebloods Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke, as well as in-state rival NC State.

Rippey has yet to release a list of finalists or a decision timeline, but with his recruitment heating up and attention at an all-time high, he’s clearly one of the hottest names to watch in the 2026 class

The G League Elite Camp Selects Former UNC Basketball Guards for Starting Positions

Former Tar Heels RJ Davis and Caleb Love Make Their Case at G League Elite Camp

Two key members of UNC’s 2020 recruiting class, RJ Davis and Caleb Love, are chasing their NBA dreams in Chicago this week.

Although neither guard received an initial invite to the 75-player NBA Draft Combine, they still have a shot at making the cut. Davis and Love are currently showcasing their skills at the G League Elite Camp, where standout performances could earn them a late call-up — just like former teammate Drake Powell, who is already locked into a Combine spot.

In Saturday’s opening games at Wintrust Arena, both Davis and Love cracked the starting lineup and reached double-digit scoring.

RJ Davis helped lead Team One to an 89-85 win, putting up 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a block in 22 minutes. He shot an efficient 5-for-9 from the field, although he missed both of his attempts from deep, and went 4-for-5 from the free throw line.

Caleb Love, starting for Team Four, scored 10 points in a tough 101-63 loss. He went 4-for-11 overall, 0-for-5 from three-point range, and knocked down both of his free throws. He also added one rebound and one assist in 21 minutes.

Davis and Love entered the college scene together in 2020 and were the Tar Heels’ backcourt duo for three seasons before Love transferred to Arizona in 2023. In their first seasons apart, both made waves — Davis earned ACC Player of the Year honors, while Love was named the final Pac-12 Player of the Year. Now, they’re hoping to impress NBA scouts enough to take the next step in their careers.

The UNC basketball forward is now in the top 10 transfer portal undecided.

Uncertainty Surrounds Ven-Allen Lubin’s Next Move After Entering Transfer Portal

The future of former UNC basketball forward Ven-Allen Lubin remains unclear as the offseason continues.

When Lubin entered the transfer portal nearly three weeks ago, he made it clear that his intention was to return to Chapel Hill for his senior season. However, as time has passed and buzz around other programs — including potential interest from in-state rival NC State — continues to build, a return to UNC is starting to feel less likely.

Lubin, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound Florida native, has already spent single seasons at Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and UNC. In his lone year with the Tar Heels, he started in more than half the games and emerged as a consistent contributor.

Now considered one of the top remaining uncommitted players in the portal, Lubin ranks No. 144 overall on 247Sports’ transfer board and sits at No. 9 among those still weighing their options.

Given his production last season — 8.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and nearly one block per game in just under 20 minutes — Lubin is attracting strong interest from several programs still looking to bolster their rosters. Where he lands next is still anyone’s guess.

One-and-Done UNC Basketball Players Not Included in Draft Combine Scrimmage Squads

Drake Powell Attends NBA Draft Combine, Skips Scrimmage Action

Former UNC basketball standout Drake Powell is in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, but he won’t be taking part in the five-on-five scrimmages set to begin Wednesday afternoon.

Powell, a 6-foot-6 wing from Pittsboro, North Carolina, was one of the first 75 players invited to the pre-draft event. Although the scrimmages are optional, they often serve as a key opportunity for prospects to elevate their stock ahead of the draft. Still, skipping the games is not uncommon — and Powell is one of eight projected second-round picks sitting out, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Others opting out include Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, Rocco Zikarsky from Australia, Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier, Alabama’s Labaron Philon, Auburn’s Johni Broome, Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Florida’s Alex Condon.

Powell remains the lone UNC representative at this year’s Combine and is currently projected to be selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, which will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25–26.

During his lone season in Chapel Hill, Powell played in all 37 games for the Tar Heels, averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in just over 25 minutes per contest. He posted efficient shooting numbers, hitting 48.3% from the floor, 37.9% from beyond the arc, and 64.8% from the free-throw line. Though still raw, his athleticism and two-way upside have kept him firmly on NBA scouts’ radar.

UNC Basketball: Another Dubious Tournament Team Under Hubert Davis

Is This a Contender? Tar Heels’ 2025-26 Roster Raises Major Questions

When examining the current makeup of the 2025-26 UNC basketball team, there’s no immediate sign of elite firepower or star power. On paper, this doesn’t look like a squad destined to dominate.

Of all the freshmen brought in during Hubert Davis’ tenure, only Ian Jackson managed to crack double digits in scoring — and just barely. The former five-star McDonald’s All-American averaged 11.9 points per game before transferring out, his role fluctuating throughout the season.

Now, another five-star McDonald’s All-American is set to join the fold: forward Caleb Wilson, a top-10 recruit in the 2025 class. But some insiders believe he might start his college career on the bench, just like Jackson did.

“I’m not sure North Carolina is even a tournament team right now,” said Rob Dauster of The Field of 68 podcast on Thursday — a sobering take for Tar Heel faithful.

While the team welcomes a couple of promising four-star freshman guards and returns just two scholarship players, including only one part-time starter in senior Seth Trimble, the transfer additions have not blown anyone away. The lone consensus top-100 transfer, former Arizona center Henri Veesaar, is expected to anchor the paint. But he’s yet to average double figures or show sustained dominance at the collegiate level, only earning his first start this past February.

The bottom line: Hubert Davis’ fifth UNC roster lacks proven star talent and feels more like a work in progress than a title contender. Once again, North Carolina finds itself outside many national top 25 projections. After missing the NCAA Tournament last season and striking out on several key portal targets, this offseason haul isn’t what fans were hoping for.

Will this be another season of falling short in Chapel Hill — or is there still hope for a surprise turnaround?

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

The North Carolina Tar Heels just added another major piece to their basketball future—say hello to Jaydon Young, the newest Tar Heel ready to make waves in Chapel Hill!

A 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, Young brings a dynamic mix of toughness, scoring ability, and defensive grit that perfectly fits the Carolina blueprint. Known for his relentless energy on both ends of the floor, he’s been a standout throughout his high school career, showcasing a high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and a game that continues to evolve.

Young had offers from several high-major programs, but ultimately, it was UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and family atmosphere that sealed the deal. His commitment represents more than just another talented guard—it’s a sign that Hubert Davis is continuing to lock down elite in-state talent while building a team hungry for banners.

Tar Heel fans should be excited. Young is the kind of player who embraces the spotlight and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Whether he’s knocking down shots from deep, diving for loose balls, or clamping down on an opponent’s top scorer, his impact will be felt from day one.

UNC’s backcourt future just got brighter—and bolder.

Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill is ready for you!

A former basketball target for UNC decommits after being selected unexpectedly.

Back in the fall, UNC basketball was in the mix for longtime Tar Heel fan Niko Bundalo

The 6-foot-10 senior forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had listed UNC among his top nine schools and later included them in his final four, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising move last November, Bundalo committed to Washington — a program that hadn’t made his previous shortlist.

Now, the recruitment race is back on. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that Bundalo has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and is once again available.

Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is now the second-highest ranked uncommitted prospect in the cycle.

It remains uncertain whether UNC head coach Hubert Davis will pursue him again, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — inspired by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make Chapel Hill a natural fit. The Tar Heels still have roster spots open for next season.

UNC Basketball Makes the Cut for the Elite Forward List

The UNC basketball program remains in the hunt for five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend.

In early January, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) standout small forward Anthony Thompson received an offer from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. Nearly four months later, UNC has secured a spot on his shortlist.

On Friday, Thompson revealed his top choices on social media, naming UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-8, 185-pound left-hander narrowed his options after drawing over 30 scholarship offers early in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Thompson currently sits at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the No. 1 prospect in Ohio.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s tough to find a jump shot that looks better,” 247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently observed, also noting Thompson’s impressive “nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan.”

The Tar Heels have issued numerous offers to 2026 prospects and remain firmly in the mix for many of their top recruiting targets.

A second UNC basketball starter arrives at the portal before the deadline.

UNC basketball has now seen several players opt to explore the transfer portal

On Monday morning, just under two days before the portal deadline, Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.