UNC Basketball: Hubert Davis named to Naismith Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program have put together a very strong 2023-2024 season thus far, as the Tar Heels head coach is earning some recognition for his efforts.

On Friday, Davis was named one of the 15 coaches on the 2024 Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List.

Following a very disappointing 2022-2023 season, Davis has quickly guided the Tar Heels back to national prominence. Heading into Saturday's clash against Virginia, North Carolina sits atop the ACC standings, as they hold a 20-6 record, including 12-3 in conference play. To put the wins into perspective, the Tar Heels have already tied last year's win total.

With the loss of various players in the transfer portal, Davis spearheaded an effort to replenish the roster, as some big-time transfer additions, such as Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan, and Jae'Lyn Withers, have been major factors in the team's success this season.

Davis is joined on the list by Richard Pitino (New Mexico), Bryce Drew (Grand Canyon), Anthony Grant (Dayton), Dan Hurley (Connecticut), Nate Oats (Alabama), T.J. Otzelberger (Iowa State), Matt Painter (Purdue), Lamont Paris (South Carolina), Bruce Pearl (Auburn), Mark Pope (BYU), Kelvin Sampson (Houston), Josh Schertz (Indiana State), Kyle Smith (Washington State) and Danny Sprinkle (Utah State).

The UNC basketball program's head coach is well-deserving of this recognition, as he has taken tremendous steps in his third season at the helm. Davis has put North Carolina in a great position not only to compete for a ACC regular season title, but to make some noise in the upcoming NCAA Tournament as well.

Even with some recent struggles, this season has been a success thus far for the UNC basketball program, as Davis deserves a ton of credit as to where this group currently stands heading into the month of March.