‘I want them to have fun’: UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis
Following North Carolina basketball’s exhibition win vs. Saint Augustine’s, several Tar Heels offered their thoughts on the game and 2023-24 season.
CHAPEL HILL – A Thrilling Victory for No. 19 UNC Basketball
Former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams often described the team’s dominance against weaker opponents as being “more gifted.” Last night, under the leadership of Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels showcased their skills in a remarkable 117-53 exhibition victory against Saint Augustine’s at the Dean E. Smith Center. RJ Davis shone with 22 points, 17 of which he scored in the first six minutes.
Even in a scrimmage against a Division II program, UNC demonstrated potential for the upcoming season and its desire to bounce back after missing the NCAA Tournament last year.
Last season, in their 101-40 victory against Johnson C. Smith, the Tar Heels struggled with their three-point shooting, converting only 31.4% of their attempts. However, in Friday’s game, they improved significantly, making 46% of their three-pointers, including 10 in the first half. They also displayed a fast-paced game with 21 fast-break points in the first half and had an impressive 15 assists on 22 baskets during that time, leading to a commanding 65-26 halftime lead.
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UNC’s regular season begins on November 6 with a game against Radford. Here are some key takeaways from Friday’s exhibition game.
Armando Bacot, RJ Davis joined by newcomers in UNC basketball’s starting lineup
In their first public game against another team, UNC introduced returning starters RJ Davis and Armando Bacot, along with three new additions – Cormac Ryan, Harrison Ingram, and Paxson Wojcik – in the starting lineup for Friday’s game.
Cormac Ryan injures ankle in first half
Unfortunately, an injury occurred during the exhibition game, as Cormac Ryan rolled his left ankle in the final minute of the first half. He was unable to return for the rest of the game and was seen on the bench in the second half with ice wrapped around his ankle.
Elliot Cadeau comes off the bench for Tar Heels
Freshman point guard Elliot Cadeau, who was voted the preseason ACC Rookie of the Year, made his debut off the bench, coming in four minutes into the game along with Zayden High. Due to Ryan’s injury, Cadeau started the second half and contributed seven points and four assists.
Jae’Lyn Withers, Seth Trimble out with injuries
Both sophomore guard Seth Trimble and Louisville transfer Jae’Lyn Withers were unable to play due to injuries in the game against St. Augustine’s. Withers, a graduate student, had an impressive career at Louisville, while Trimble played in all 33 games as a freshman last season.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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