Sayon Keita’s adaptability guides him through unexpected journey
When Mahamadou Maïga, the Mali coordinator of the Serge Ibaka Foundation, was walking to the Spanish embassy in Bamako, Mali, an astonishingly tall, skinny 12-year-old caught his eye. It’s not every day you cross paths with a scout who can get you in contact with an NBA champion’s academy. For
Sayon Keita, the situation was a dream come true. (
Daily Tar Heel)
Tar Heels in NBA: Caleb Wilson shows flashes, scores 16 in NBA debut
Caleb Wilson’s NBA regular-season debut reminded everyone that the transition from college basketball to the pros won’t always be smooth, even for a rookie with his considerable talent. The former UNC Basketball star scored 16 points, missed seven of eight 3-point attempts and finished with a -45 in Chicago’s 135-92 loss Wednesday at Toronto. (
Tar Heel Tribune)
A Superstar in UNC Football’s Win vs. Duke, Greg Smith Becoming A Big Name
About 700 major college football players have competed in enough snaps at safety this season to be considered for ranking and evaluation at that defensive position by a major football analytics company. At the midpoint of the 2026 regular season, North Carolina safety
Greg Smith III ranks No. 1 on that list, with an 89.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. (
Chapelboro.com)
Audio: ACC Network Basketball Podcast - UNC Women's Basketball Coach Courtney Banghart joins
Debbie Antonelli and Kelly Gramlich are back to preview the 2026 ACC Women's Basketball season and react to the newly-released AP Preseason Poll! Plus, North Carolina Head Coach
Courtney Banghart joins the show! (
ESPN)
North Carolina Football Injury Update: First Report for Syracuse Game
Following a victory over Duke that saw several UNC starters exit with injuries, the ACC has released its initial availability report ahead of the Tar Heels’ Saturday matchup with Syracuse. UNC starters Jordan Shipp, Kaleb Cost,
Benjamin Hall, Peyton Waters,
Jordan Hall, and
Aeron Burrell are all listed as questionable ahead of Saturday night’s game. (
Inside Carolina)
Video: Carolina Football - The Process, UNC vs. Duke - "Bring Our Bell Home"
North Carolina Football's long-form video feature The Process, Game 6 goes behind-the-scenes with the Tar Heels to document their 24-20 road victory over the Duke Blue Devils, share the history of the rivalry, and bring the Victory Bell back home to Chapel Hill.
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View Video)
Early enrollee center Noelle Bofia ready to show what she has learned at UNC
After graduating from high school early and enrolling at UNC for the spring semester,
Noelle Bofia practiced with the Tar Heels as she prepared for her first college basketball season. That time gave her a chance to adjust to stronger defenders, improve her footwork, and become familiar with the program before making her debut in Chapel Hill. (
Daily Tar Heel)
Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Sayon Keita Surges Into UNC Spotlight
Could freshman center
Sayon Keita emerge as UNC Basketball's most important player this season? Isaac Schade and Jonathan Adams discuss Keita's breakout performances, his shot-altering defense, and what his rapid development means for the Tar Heels’ frontcourt depth.
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View Video)
Silent but strong, Alex Samodurov has succeeded overseas. Now he’s in the Hill.
Alexandros Samodurov is preparing for his first season on the North Carolina men’s basketball team, bringing four years of professional basketball experience in Greece and an international resume that includes a EuroLeague championship and a bronze medal with the Greek national team. But Samodurov’s accomplishments are only part of his story. (
Daily Tar Heel)
After years of false hope, Chicago Bulls first-round pick Caleb Wilson feels inevitable
All eyes will be on the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, when
Caleb Wilson and his teammates tip off the 2026-27 regular season against the Raptors in Toronto. "I’m just really excited for the opportunity to play," Wilson said of his pending debut. "I’ve been waiting on this opportunity my whole life, and it’s finally here. So just really a lot of excitement." (
Chicago Sun-Times)
Playing in a packed Smith Center is a dream come true for Terrence Brown
From Fairleigh Dickinson to Utah to North Carolina, one may wonder when it will hit
Terrence Brown just how far his college basketball journey has taken him. He theorizes it’ll be his first game in the Smith Center, which holds 22,000 fans — what he always dreamed of. "Probably before tip off. I’ll look up and be like, wow, this is really happening." (
Daily Tar Heel)
Defensive Lineman Leroy Jackson Emphasizes the Little Things as UNC Looks to Build on Recent Success
Defensive lineman
Leroy Jackson believes the key to sustaining success is staying focused on the details. After struggling to close out its loss at Clemson, UNC responded with back-to-back wins against Pitt and Duke. The Tar Heels have shown an ability to make plays late, and Jackson said that starts with maintaining the same mindset all four quarters. (
TarHeel247)
Kate Harpring will be the bully despite being a freshman
After plenty of time to think about her next step after high school, No. 1 women's basketball recruit, freshman guard
Kate Harpring, decided to suit up for the North Carolina Tar Heels to continue her basketball career. "I feel like a big thing for me was the people," Harpring said. "Especially coach Banghart, I feel like she’s the perfect coach for me." (
Daily Tar Heel)
Jordan Shipp Named Semifinalist For Jason Witten Man Of The Year Award
UNC wide receiver
Jordan Shipp is one of 20 semifinalists for the 10th annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The award is named after 11-time NFL Pro Bowler Jason Witten and recognizes leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field. In addition to his on-field performance, Shipp is a standout leader in the community. (
GoHeels.com)
Bill Belichick says moving on from big Duke win tougher, Syracuse better than record
Bill Belichick has spent most of the season stressing that each game has to be put away quickly. After UNC's win at Duke, he said it took more effort than usual. The Tar Heels’ players have said all year that Sunday is the day to turn the page, and Belichick acknowledged the Victory Bell celebration made it harder. "It took a little longer,"
he said Monday. (
Tar Heel Tribune)