UNC Basketball: Five bold predictions for 2021-22 season
By Zack Pearson
![GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Rameses, the North Carolina Tar Heels mascot, cheers during their game against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2020 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Rameses, the North Carolina Tar Heels mascot, cheers during their game against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2020 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/80b1209d6599b87c1a8560c89e69fe0b115dd0e23a2c83e63e2283138988e4ab.jpg)
UNC sweeps Duke
This one might be the toughest one to accomplish of the bold predictions but it might also be the most satisfying. While UNC is ushering in a new era under Hubert Davis, the Duke Blue Devils are set to do the same with Coach K hanging them up this season and turning the program over to Jon Scheyer.
So what better parting gift than to sweep Duke in K’s final year?
The Tar Heels won both matchups last season as it was a down year for the Blue Devils, giving Roy some bragging rights on his way out. And why not do it again?
The problem for North Carolina is that this won’t be an easy task. Duke is bringing back some key players such as Wendell Moore, Jeremy Roach, Mark Williams, Joey Baker and a transfer in Theo John, while also welcoming in a top recruiting class headlined by Paolo Banchero, Trevor Keels and A.J. Griffin. After a year of being bad, Duke is set to return to their normal ways and are the favorites early in the ACC this year.
Even if UNC takes the first matchup at home, beating Duke on the road in the regular season finale in K’s last home game is a HUGE task. But wouldn’t it be fun?
Let’s see if the boys can get it done and spoil the parade.