CAROLINA Basketball

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🏀 UNC Basketball Weekly Update – May 30, 2025

Men’s Basketball: Summer Prep & Italy Tour on the Horizon

The Tar Heels are back on campus and beginning early preparations for what promises to be an exciting 2025–26 season. With the roster now finalized, Coach Hubert Davis is focused on team chemistry and player development ahead of the team's overseas tour in Italy this August.

Key Storylines:

• Elliot Cadeau returns as the team’s leader at point guard, and he’s made it clear: "This is our year to make a statement." Cadeau has reportedly added strength and sharpened his midrange game during the offseason.
   
• Darius Price, the incoming five-star freshman, is already generating buzz. Known for his length and defensive instincts, Price could be an immediate contributor on both ends of the floor.
   
• Transfer guard Noah Shelby (formerly of Vanderbilt) is adjusting quickly and expected to provide backcourt depth and veteran presence off the bench.
   

Italy Tour Preview:
The Heels will travel to Italy in early August for a series of exhibition games. It’s a critical opportunity to build cohesion and evaluate rotations in live action before the fall.

Women’s Basketball: New Faces, Same High Standards

Coach Courtney Banghart and the Tar Heels are laying the groundwork for another strong campaign after a solid 2024–25 season. With several key returners and a talented group of newcomers, the team is aiming to make a deeper NCAA Tournament run.

What’s New:

• Deja Kelly has declared for the WNBA Draft, but rising junior Indya Nivar is ready to step up as the team’s primary scorer. Nivar has reportedly looked sharp in offseason workouts.
   
• UNC welcomes two Top-50 recruits, including sharpshooting wing Layla Carter and versatile forward Amiya Jackson, both of whom are expected to push for minutes early.
   
• Assistant coach Shavonte Zellous, hired earlier this spring, brings WNBA playing experience and a strong player-development background to the bench.
   

What’s Next:
The women begin team workouts in early June, with Coach Banghart focusing on ball movement, perimeter defense, and integrating the freshman class into the system.

The Tar Heels concluded the 2024–25 season with a 19–14 overall record and a 9–11 mark in ACC play. Despite a midseason slump, UNC rallied late to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Key contributors included graduate forward Jae’Lyn Withers, who provided veteran leadership, and freshman guard Drake Powell, who emerged as a standout talent. The team's performance highlighted the potential for growth and development under head coach Hubert Davis.The Daily Tar Heel+1University of North Carolina Athletics+1

The Tar Heels had a remarkable season, finishing with a 29–8 overall record and a 13–5 ACC record. Under the guidance of head coach Courtney Banghart, the team secured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, marking their first time hosting tournament games since 2015. Alyssa Ustby played a pivotal role, becoming the program's all-time leading rebounder and earning All-ACC First Team honors. The team's depth and resilience were evident throughout the season, culminating in a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament.WikipediaTar Heel Times+2The Daily Tar Heel+2Wikipedia+2University of North Carolina Athletics+3Wikipedia+3Tar Heel Times+