North Carolina didn’t just beat Georgetown on Sunday — the Tar Heels sent a message. With an 81–61 victory inside a fired-up Dean E. Smith Center, UNC showcased why they are quickly becoming one of the most complete and dangerous teams in college basketball. What began as a competitive, back-and-forth opening half transformed into a powerful display of depth, physicality, and growing confidence. For a team still developing its identity, Sunday’s performance felt like a defining step forward.
Georgetown punched first, jumping out to an early lead and forcing the Tar Heels to settle in slowly. But once UNC’s rhythm arrived, the gears started turning. The Heels closed the half with a controlled 44–39 advantage — not dominant, but steady and indicative of what was coming. The second half belonged entirely to Carolina. They imposed their will in the paint, suffocated Georgetown’s offense, and leaned on their frontcourt stars to build a lead that ballooned to 20 and never shrank.
What stood out most was balance. The dependable frontcourt leaders continued their ascent, but the supporting cast — an area that at times has been inconsistent — delivered meaningful minutes for the second straight game. Having two or three bench contributors capable of sparking energy or providing short bursts of scoring is becoming a real asset for UNC. But for this breakdown, we focus on the starters who shaped this win.
Below are extended grades and analysis for the Tar Heels’ top performers from the victory.
CALEB WILSON — GRADE: A
Stat line: 20 points, 14 rebounds
Caleb Wilson’s evolution continues, and Sunday felt like an important turning point for the freshman phenom. After struggling with efficiency over his previous three games — shooting just 34% (15-for-44) during that stretch — Wilson bounced back with the maturity and poise of a player far beyond his age. He finished 7-of-12 from the field and added a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, a critical development for a player who absorbs as much contact as he does.
Wilson’s combination of length, agility, and patience makes him nearly impossible to contain when he plays under control. On Sunday, he didn’t force shots. He trusted his footwork, used the glass, attacked mismatches, and stayed aggressive without becoming reckless. Even more impressive was his work on the boards. His 14 rebounds weren’t just numbers — they were momentum-swinging plays that helped UNC dominate second-chance opportunities and maintain control whenever Georgetown tried to claw back.
His defensive positioning also improved noticeably. Wilson was more disciplined on closeouts, more alert in rotations, and better at contesting without fouling. As he continues to refine the finer details — particularly his decision-making as a passer — he’s shaping into a player with legitimate star potential. Sunday’s efficiency was exactly what the coaching staff hoped to see heading into conference play.
HENRI VEESAAR — GRADE: A
tat line: 18 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks
If Wilson was efficient, Henri Veesaar was dominant. The Arizona transfer has been the team’s most consistently impactful player over the last four games, and he put together another commanding performance Sunday.
Averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds recently, Veesaar once again controlled both ends of the floor. Offensively, he played with force and finesse, finishing through contact, manipulating angles, and drawing multiple fouls on Georgetown’s interior defenders. His touch around the rim continues to improve, and his footwork in the post — particularly his drop step and counter spins — created matchup nightmares for the Hoyas.
On defense, Veesaar altered the entire geometry of Georgetown’s offense. His three blocks only tell part of the story; he disrupted countless drives, shut down second-chance attempts, and made opposing players second-guess every trip into the paint. His timing as a shot-contester has become elite, and his rebounding presence gives UNC a reliable anchor during chaotic stretches.
Veesaar’s ability to take over stretches of the game — especially early in the second half — was one of the biggest reasons UNC pulled away. He looks more polished and confident each week.
LUKA BOGAVAC — GRADE: B
Stat line: 14 points, 4 rebounds
Luka Bogavac has battled inconsistency in his shooting throughout the season, but Sunday was a clear step toward stability. Finishing 5-of-10 from the field, Bogavac played within the offense, avoided forced attempts, and picked smart moments to attack. His 1-of-5 performance from three leaves room for improvement, but the overall efficiency and decisiveness were encouraging.
What made Bogavac’s performance valuable wasn’t simply scoring — it was timing. He hit momentum-stabilizing shots when Georgetown threatened to close the gap and brought energy on defense. His improved focus on driving instead of settling for contested threes helped diversify UNC’s offense. If he continues to embrace this balanced approach, he can become a pivotal complementary scorer alongside the dominant frontcourt.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sunday’s win wasn’t just another non-conference victory. It was a glimpse of what the Tar Heels can become when their stars shine and their role players elevate their play. With emerging chemistry, stronger defensive identity, and a frontcourt pairing that looks borderline unstoppable, UNC is building something dangerous — and Sunday’s performance made that clearer than ever.
The message is simple:
This team is rising. And they’re only getting started.
