UNC Basketball
Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball.
Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Michael Malone Wins Debut, But Should UNC Basketball Fans Be Concerned?
Michael Malone is officially 1-0 as North Carolina's head coach, but UNC Basketball's 80-72 win over Western Carolina wasn't the dominant opening-night performance Tar Heel fans hoped to see. Isaac Schade and Jonathan Adams break down the first regular-season game of the Malone era.
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Tue Nov 3, 2026
The good, the bad, and the ugly from UNC's season-opening win over Western Carolina
It wasn't always pretty. However, at the end of the night, North Carolina held on for an 80-72 victory over Western Carolina, and
Michael Malone officially recorded his first win as head coach of the Tar Heels. There were naturally going to be some growing pains. We saw a mix of encouraging signs, some concerns, and, of course, the rebounding issues. (
Keeping It Heel)
Video: John Henson Breaks Down UNC Basketball's Season-Opening Victory
Former North Carolina and NBA forward
John Henson breaks down the Tar Heels' 80-72 season-opening victory against Western Carolina at the Smith Center on Monday night.
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Tar Heels in NBA: Caleb Wilson outstanding again; Coby White makes season debut
Caleb Wilson continued his strong start to his rookie season in another loss on a night when
Coby White made his season debut and
Leaky Black got four steals in a big game. Wilson finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals on Monday night, but the 1-6 Chicago Bulls lost 126-107 in Philadelphia for their fifth straight defeat. (
Tar Heel Tribune)
North Carolina vs. Western Carolina Postgame Quotes
Michael Malone on his first official win with UNC Basketball: "I'm thankful to get that first one. And the fans here have been so kind to me and welcoming, and you know I love that, and I appreciate that. And I just want to make sure I'm doing my job to make the Carolina family proud. You know, I don't take this opportunity lightly, and that's a huge responsibility." (
GoHeels.com)
Video: Carolina Insider - UNC vs. Western Carolina Postgame Reactions
Join
Jones Angell and Adam Lucas for Carolina Insider Rapid Reactions as they break down the Tar Heels' 80-72 season-opening victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Monday night in Chapel Hill.
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Tue Nov 3, 2026
Michael Malone's First UNC Victory Comes With Special Moment From Roy Williams
Michael Malone picked up his first win at UNC, but it wasn't pretty. As a heavy favorite against Western Carolina, the Tar Heels clung to a late two-point lead before pulling away for an 80-72 win. Ready to deliver his postgame remarks, Director of Basketball Operations Eric Hoots stopped Malone. "Hey coach, they want to give you the game ball." (
TarHeel247)
Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball Scrapes Past Western Carolina
Michael Malone's first regular-season game as UNC Basketball coach played out in similar fashion as the three exhibition games - some good, some bad, and plenty of areas that need improvement. But in the end, the Tar Heels staved off Western Carolina 80-72 in the Smith Center.
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Tue Nov 3, 2026
North Carolina vs. Western Carolina Postgame Notes
North Carolina's first points of the Malone era were a pair of free throws by
Terrence Brown 1:07 into the game. The first field goal was a three by
Matt Able, who led the Tar Heels with 18 points. It was his 15th career game in double figures. Four Tar Heels scored double figures: Able (18),
Terrence Brown (14), Neo Avdalas (13), and
Maximo Adams (10). (
GoHeels.com)
Lucas: Begin Again
Starting over was different then. Roy Williams had a boatload of returning players, including Raymond Felton,
Jawad Williams, and Sean May. Jackie had a posse.
David Noel was better known as a wide receiver.
Michael Malone didn't inherit quite the same roster. In this era, the coach and the roster are new together. They looked like it for part of Monday night. (
GoHeels.com)