The North Carolina Tar Heels have already shown why they deserve recognition as one of the top teams in college basketball. Sitting at 8–1 with impressive victories over blueblood powers such as Kansas, Kentucky, and Georgetown, the Tar Heels have proven that their talent, depth, and competitiveness belong among the nation’s elite. But even with all this early success, there remain clear areas where the team can sharpen its game—and elevating these aspects could be the difference between a solid season and a championship-caliber run.
Fifth-year head coach Hubert Davis recognizes the potential of his group, and though pleased with the direction, he emphasizes that growth must continue.
“I believe we’re growing,” Davis said. “We’re getting better at it. It’s not a finished product. I feel like we’ve got a long way to go, but one of the things that I consistently talk to them about is how do you react and how do you respond?”
As the season progresses and ACC play looms, developing strong habits will be essential. Here are the key areas the Tar Heels must refine in order to maximize their potential and push toward sustained success.
1. FINDING CONSISTENT PRODUCTION FROM BEYOND THE ARC
Scoring inside the paint has been one of North Carolina’s strengths for years, and this season is no exception. With aggressive guards, long versatile forwards, and a system built around attacking the rim, the Tar Heels have dominated the interior. But the three-point shooting—often a deciding factor in tightly contested games—has been inconsistent.
Through nine games, North Carolina has shot 31.7 percent from three, ranking 254th nationally. For a team with championship aspirations, that number must rise.
Hubert Davis understands this flaw, which explains why the offensive system currently prioritizes interior dominance. Still, even in an inside-out offense, perimeter threats remain essential.
“From an offensive standpoint, we’re inside out,” Davis said. “I’ve been clear—dominate points in the paint through post penetration, offensive rebounding, and putting pressure on the rim.”
Davis wants his team to control the paint, but without credible outside shooting, opponents can pack the lane and limit drives and post touches. A few consistent shooters would stretch defenses, create balance, and enhance UNC’s offensive ceiling.
Players like RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram, and the supporting wings will need to hit open looks at a higher rate, especially as the competition stiffens. Knock down threes, and suddenly the Tar Heels become dramatically more difficult to guard.
2. IMPROVING FREE-THROW SHOOTING—A MUST FOR MARCH SUCCESS
Shooting struggles extend beyond the arc. Free throws—seemingly simple, yet often game-changing—pose another concern.
North Carolina currently shoots 70.7 percent from the line, ranking 205th in the nation. While this number isn’t disastrous, it is a long way from where a contender needs to be, especially in late-game scenarios.
Four players—Seth Trimble, Derek Dixon, Wilson, and Kyan Evans—knock down at least 75 percent of their attempts, providing stability. However, several key players remain below the threshold:
Jarin Stevenson
Luka Bogavac
Henri Veesaar
All three are starters and play high-volume minutes. Opponents will take advantage of this in close games, especially as the stakes rise. In March, when every possession matters and the pressure intensifies, poor free-throw shooting can be the difference between advancing or suffering a heartbreaking exit.
UNC has seen this story before—not just in Chapel Hill, but across college basketball history. Teams with Final Four potential have fallen because of missed opportunities at the stripe.
To prevent this, the Tar Heels must turn free throws into a guaranteed source of points. The coaching staff will almost certainly emphasize repetition, rhythm, and mental composure. A 5–7 percent improvement could dramatically change late-game outcomes.
3. DEVELOPING GREATER OFFENSIVE BALANCE
While the Tar Heels’ interior offense is powerful, relying too heavily on the paint can make them predictable. Teams with strong defensive centers or physical forwards could bottle up UNC’s preferred shots, forcing them into uncomfortable contested attempts.
Improvement from mid-range shooters, more consistent cutting action, and better ball movement will help generate a more dynamic attack. When UNC moves the ball crisply and plays with tempo, they look nearly unstoppable. Maintaining that level of precision—especially against elite defensive teams—will be critical.
4. MAINTAINING DEFENSIVE DISCIPLINE AND INTENSITY
Defense has been a strong point for the Tar Heels so far, but there are moments where lapses allow opponents easy baskets. Whether it’s transition defense, closing out on shooters, or staying disciplined on switches, the team must commit to 40 minutes of focused defensive pressure.
As Davis often reminds his players, reactions and responses define winning habits. Sustained defensive effort—possession after possession—will ultimately determine whether UNC can thrive in postseason play.
FINAL THOUGHTS: THE CEILING IS HIGH—IF UNC MAKES THESE ADJUSTMENTS
With size, athleticism, veteran leadership, and strong coaching, the Tar Heels possess all the tools necessary to make a deep March run. But championships aren’t awarded based on potential—they’re earned through improvement, consistency, and execution.
If UNC becomes more efficient from three, sharpens its free-throw shooting, balances its offense, and polishes its defensive intensity, the Tar Heels won’t just remain a top-15 team—they may rise into the top tier of true national contenders.
The foundation is there. Now it’s about refining the details that turn a great team into a championship-caliber one.
