UNC Basketball

Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball.

Dean Smith's Reflections on the Smith Center

As the Smith Center turns 40, we recalled when Dean Smith sat down with Inside Carolina two decades ago (at age 74, on the building’s 20th anniversary) to reflect on the arena that bears his name. In the late legendary coach’s absence for this landmark occasion, we have republished that interview, as it was told to former IC staffer Andy Britt. (Inside Carolina)

Tyler Hansbrough on UNC's struggles

On the Field of 68 After Dark show, Tyler Hansbrough, a guy whose jersey number hangs in the Dean E. Smith Center rafters as one of the very few retired numbers in UNC basketball lore, admitted that he's concerned about this team given its recent struggles. "My main issue with Carolina is that right now we go through lapses in games where we get stale," he added. (Keeping It Heel)

Drake Powell cracks starting lineup for Brooklyn Nets

One significant alteration this week was the insertion of rookie Drake Powell into the Brooklyn Nets' starting lineup the past two games. Powell, the third of the Nets’ league-record five first-round picks in 2025, has totaled 26 points over 49 minutes in the two starts, including 16 with five rebounds and two 3-pointers in their 116-113 loss to the Pelicans. (New York Post)

Video: IC Podcast - Carolina, California and the Basketball Metrics

Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss UNC Basketball's second leg of the west coast swing as the Tar Heels face California on Saturday. With the loss to Stanford, Saturday’s game becomes critical. Barnes and Ashley also discuss the ACC and the metrics behind the records and performances. (View Video)

Men's college basketball 2025-26 midseason freshman grades

3. Caleb Wilson, UNC: While Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa entered the season with All-American expectations, Wilson has played himself into that discussion, averaging 19.5 points and 11 rebounds, showing improved passing ability, and a motor on defense. He has had eight games of 20 points and 10 rebounds, including six in his last eight contests. (ESPN)

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Can Hubert Davis Fix UNC's Defense?

Isaac Schade and Coach Bill Robinson dissect UNC Basketball's struggle to defend ball screens, recent second-half collapses, and the absence of a true floor general like Joel Berry or Ty Lawson. With Cal boasting elite free throw shooting and a veteran lineup, are the Tar Heels prepared to bounce back? (View Video)

History: Building UNC Basketball's 'New Blue Heaven'

As a man suffering from a fatal disease, Hargrove "Skipper" Bowles couldn’t be without his respirator for more than an hour. He still decided to part with it momentarily for a chance to experience something very significant in his lifetime. Seated in a wheelchair, Bowles was led into a cavernous space that radiated Carolina Blue from every direction. (Inside Carolina)

Carolina Insider Podcast: Jeff Lebo Discusses 1986 Duke at Carolina (First game in the Smith Center)

Carolina just won its 500th game in the Smith Center, so we look back at the first game (No. 1 UNC vs. No. 3 Duke ) in the building's history. Neal Harrell discusses fundraising for the building (3:50). Jeff Lebo talks about playing in the game (20:41). And we give TV audio, Dean Smith postgame audio, and more (32:27). (Listen To Podcast)

Frustration Rises in Palo Alto: 'I hate to lose"

Can you describe your emotions after this loss and the emotions in the locker room? Caleb Wilson: "I’m frustrated. I hate to lose and I hate losing when we don’t have to, so that’s all I can say." Henri Veesaar: "I think everybody is (ticked) off. So I think just clearing up little things, taking pride in your matchup, and just being proud to wear this uniform." (Inside Carolina)

UNC Basketball's NET ranking falls to season-low as NCAA résumé takes hit

The good NCAA tournament résumé UNC built up during nonconference play is falling apart. After the Tar Heels fell to 3-3 in Quad 1 games with their loss Wednesday at Stanford, they fell eight spots in the NET rankings to a season-low 30. That’s the lowest since UNC was 32 at the end of last season, when it barely slipped into the tournament field. (Tar Heel Tribune)

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