There's a new sheriff in town in Raleigh, as Will Wade took over the reigns as the NC State Wolfpack's head coach this past offseason.
Wade is a very interesting fellow, as he's provided some UNC-inspired quotes that have caught our attention. His plan is to develop NC State into an ACC powerhouse, being that guy who finally builds the program above the likes of Duke and North Carolina.
Good luck, pal!
Anyways, the Tar Heels head to Raleigh on Tuesday night for a showdown with the Wolfpack, a game that means a lot for both teams in a variety of ways.
On NC State's side, they would love nothing more than to defeat UNC to help stamp Wade's arrival in the ACC. They also feature a player who was on the Tar Heels' roster a year ago, so there will definitely be motivation on that individual's end to defeat his former team.
Plus, following a heartbreaking loss to Miami just a few days ago, the Wolfpack will be primed to bounce back, aiming to add a quality win to their NCAA Tournament resume (one that could use some boosting).
For North Carolina, Caleb Wilson will still be sidelined while Henri Veesaar's availability will likely be more clear closer to game time. Regardless, the "next man up" mentality needs to continue for the Tar Heels, who aim to pick up win No. 21 on the year.
2025-2026 Season
North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall record: 20-5
Conference Record: 8-4
Home Record: 15-0
Away Record: 3-4
Neutral Site Record: 2-1
Top-25 Wins: 4
NC State Wolfpack
Overall record: 18-8
Conference Record: 9-4
Home Record: 10-4
Away Record: 6-2
Neutral Site Record: 2-2
Key Players
North Carolina
Caleb Wilson (Fr. Forward)- 20.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Henri Veesaar (Jr. Center)- 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Seth Trimble (Sr. Guard)- 13.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Luka Bogavac (Jr. Guard)- 9.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Wilson will not play due to injury.
NC State
Darrion Williams (Sr. Forward)- 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Quadir Copeland (Sr. Guard)- 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists
Ven-Allen Lubin (Sr. Forward)- 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
Don't let State get hot from deep
Shooting just under 40% as a team from beyond-the-arc this season, the Tar Heels can't afford defenses lapses that give them open looks.
North Carolina has had issues closing out on shooters throughout the season, and can not let NC State have a three-point shooting contest on their home floor.
Win the battle in the post
If Henri Veesaar is available to play, the Tar Heels will have a distinct size advantage in the post.
Expect Hubert Davis and company to get the big men working early and often. Given Wade doesn't love to go too deep into his bench (he typically relies on an eight-man rotation), foul trouble (especially for the front court) would put the Wolfpack in a very tough spot.
Something to Watch For
Two things here.
For starters, will Henri Veesaar, who missed Saturday's contest against Pittsburgh due to an illness, be able to go for this game? If he is able to go, just how much will he be available, given he's also dealing with a lower-body injury.
Additionally, Ven-Allen Lubin gets a crack at his former team, even though many of the players he was teammates with are now gone. How will Lubin respond in his crack at competing against the Tar Heels, an opportunity he's probably had circled on his calendar since the schedule was revealed.
Projected Starters
No. 3- Derek Dixon
No. 7- Seth Trimble
No. 13- Henri Veesaar
No. 15- Jarin Stevenson
No. 44 Luka Bogavac