UNC Basketball: Five bold predictions for the 2018-19 season

2 of 6

DURHAM, NC – MARCH 03: (L-R) Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils talks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The Tar Heels will capture their third ACC Regular Season Championship in the past four years

Roy Williams led Carolina to back to back ACC regular-season titles in 2016 and ’17, and the Tar Heels finished in a tie for third place in 2018. This season, Williams will get the Tar Heels back to the top of the ACC.

One of the biggest reasons UNC saw a small drop off in the league last season was the struggles of their young big men, Garrison Brooks and Sterling Manley. The pair showed promise but were not yet ready to play ACC competition night in and night out.

But after an offseason of development in the gym and on the court, both will likely take significant steps forward.

This will allow Luke Maye to move back to his natural position instead of playing as a small ball five, and it will not force Williams to go with a small ball starting lineup, which is against his core basketball beliefs.

Most media pundits will likely choose Duke to win the league, but the Blue Devils are so young that they will almost certainly face some growing pains down the stretch. Other perennial conference contenders such as Virginia and Syracuse will be viable threats, but Carolina’s infusion of elite talent, returning experience, and quality depth will allow them to capture their third regular season title in four years.

Home/UNC Basketball