UNC Basketball vs. UNC-Wilmington: Game preview, prediction & more
The new-look UNC basketball team takes the court against UNC-Wilmington on Friday night
Fresh off their season-opening home victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels travel to Trask Coliseum on Friday night to face off with the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks.
The Seahawks are led by former UNC staffer and long-time Williams assistant C.B. McGrath, who’s in his third year with the program. Friday night’s game marks a momentous occasion for McGrath and UNCW, as it’s the first time in nearly three decades that a ranked opponent has been on campus.
The Tar Heels will face off with a UNCW team that’s gone through wholesale changes, welcoming in eight newcomers this season. The Seahawks benefited from a few transfer players this offseason, including former Washington State guard Carter Skaggs, former Florida guard Mike Okauru and former Valparaiso forward Marten Linssen. McGrath also welcomed in three new freshman to this year’s squad, which has just one senior (Skaggs) on the roster.
The Tar Heels, on the other hand, have several senior players including graduate transfers Christian Keeling and Justin Pierce, as well as Brandon Robinson, who’s currently sidelined with a right ankle injury. North Carolina also returns a handful of juniors this season, led by starting power forward Garrison Brooks and reserve shooting guard Andrew Platek.
So, while age and experience are on the side of UNC, so, too, is young star-power. UNC’s Cole Anthony showed everyone what all of the preseason hype was about in his first game of the season. Anthony broke a 17-year-old freshman scoring record against Notre Dame, notching 34 points in his first collegiate game. Fellow freshman and McDonald’s All-American Armando Bacot also played big minutes in his maiden voyage with the Tar Heels, and he’ll be a big factor for the Tar Heels moving forward.
Key to victory for UNC
This isn’t a game that the Tar Heels should lose. And it really shouldn’t ever be in doubt at any point, despite being in a hostile environment. North Carolina is the deeper team with more experienced, more talented players.
Having said that, the Tar Heels cannot play lackadaisical basketball tonight. They are essentially a new team, and one that could take some time to gel into what they’ll be when March rolls around. Getting used to each other and playing fundamentally sound basketball — even against “lesser” opponents — is important in that process. Don’t look for Roy Williams and his coaching staff to ease up on the team tonight.
Player to watch for UNC
Let’s be honest: all eyes are on Cole Anthony. And if they weren’t before, they certainly are after his 34-point double-double on Wednesday night. This UNC team is deeper than just one player, but Anthony will undoubtedly be “the guy” for the Tar Heels this season. He’s got the green light from his coaching staff, and he’s not afraid to take the big shot, or any other shot for that matter. If there was a ridiculously too early ballot for National Player of the Year, Anthony’s name would be at the top.
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What you need to know
What? No. 9 North Carolina 1-0 (1-0 in ACC) at UNC-Wilington 1-0 (0-0 in CAA)
When? Friday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. EST
Where? Trask Coliseum – Wilmington, North Carolina
TV? FloSports
Radio? Tar Heels Sports Network
Line? UNC -22.5
All-time series? UNC leads 4-0
Last meeting? UNC 97, UNCW 69 (Dec. 5, 2018)
Prediction? UNC 84, UNCW 65