Hubert Davis is the man for the UNC basketball program, here’s why:

Hubert Davis is the right man to lead the UNC basketball program, here’s why:

If you are continuing to question if Hubert Davis belongs at North Carolina, don’t. 

When Roy Williams retired from the University of North Carolina after 18 seasons, it shocked the college basketball world. One of the top collegiate programs in the country was now faced with replacing a Hall of Fame coach. Former Tar Heel player and assistant coach Hubert Davis got the nod. 

In his first season, Davis led North Carolina to a National Championship appearance after a mediocre season by standards in Chapel Hill. North Carolina entered the tournament as an 8 seed and made a magical run, which included a historic Final Four win over arch-rival Duke. North Carolina faithful were full believers in Hubert Davis until the following season. 

With four of five starters returning in the 2022-2023 season, North Carolina was the pre-season #1 team in the nation and a championship favorite. The team tragically posted a 20-13 record (11-9 in the ACC) and missed the NCAA tournament. Davis and the Tar Heels also turned down the opportunity to play in the NIT, and this left many with questions about Hubert Davis’ leadership. The start of the 2023-2024 season should answer all those questions.

Now that Hubert Davis is in his third season at the helm, he has established the system he wants to run (much different than Roy Williams, and that’s okay). Additionally, recruits and transfers that are coming to Chapel Hill are buying into what Davis is selling them, and that has resulted in success. 

Davis wants to run, rebound, defend the three-point shot, work inside out, and take good shots, whether it is a two or a three. Under Williams, the UNC basketball program historically struggled defending and shooting the three which is a big part of today’s game. Players like Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan have improved North Carolina basketball’s identity to match Davis’ philosophy. 

Hubert Davis does a great job building personal relationships with his players on and off the court. Now that he has their trust, they have his and that is why North Carolina stands alone atop the ACC standings.