North Carolina Tar Heels

2023-2024 Result: 29-8 record (17-3 ACC), 1 seed, sweet 16 appearance

As good as the Heels were on the defensive end last year, they may have the upside to be even better this coming season. Replacing Bacot in the middle will be difficult, but Jalen Washington should be ready to fill into that role. Washington doesn’t provide the same rebounding dominance that Bacot did, but he has better rim protection skills and is a little more versatile on that end. Another factor for this defense reaching its ceiling is Drake Powell and Ian Jackson. The length and athleticism of the incoming Freshmen is something that last year’s perimeter group didn’t have. Powell is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in this class, and Jackson certainly has the tools and motor to be great as well. But it will be a matter of Hubert Davis finding playing time for them, as Cadeau and RJ Davis have the backcourt minutes locked down for the most part. 

As for the offensive end, there are a few concerns and that’s starting with the floor spacing. Outside of Cade Tyson who was one of the best 3-point shooters in the country last season, there isn’t anyone on this roster to feel great about hitting catch and shoot 3’s. Unless Cadeau, Jackson, or Powell really improve shooting wise, floor spacing will remain a problem throughout the season. Although they have a national player of the year candidate in RJ Davis, there may be a little too much on his shoulders from a shot making standpoint. Another concern with the offense is not having an elite finisher at the rim like Armando Bacot. While Washington is going to fill in well for Bacot defensively, his offensive game doesn’t really project him to be an elite post up big. This problem could be solved with playing a lineup with Ven-Allen Lubin and Washington in the frontcourt for extra offensive rebounding, but that may create even more of a floor spacing issue (although these 2 have upside shooting wise). Even with the offensive concerns, it may not matter if Cadeau and RJ Davis can create great looks for themselves and others, and they absolutely have the ability to do that.

While they might be a step behind Duke in the ACC pecking order, the Heels will have plenty of time to find the right lineup combinations to reach their ceiling on both sides of the floor. Hubert Davis typically hasn’t been the type of coach that utilizes his bench, but he will certainly have options if he chooses to use it a little more often. Jalen Washington is the overall X-factor, and if he can expand his offensive game along with being a solid rim protector, this Tar Heels team will be dangerous.

Key Losses

Harrison Ingram

Armando Bacot

Cormac Ryan

Key Additions

Ven-Allen Lubin (Vanderbilt)

Cade Tyson (Belmont)

Tyshaun Claude (Georgia Tech)

Ian Jackson (5-star recruit)

Drake Powell (5-star recruit)

James Brown (4-star recruit)

Projected Starting Lineup

Head Coach: Hubert Davis (4th Season)

Guard: Elliot Cadeau (SO)

Guard: RJ Davis (5th year)

Guard: Seth Trimble (JR)

Forward: Cade Tyson (JR)

Center: Jalen Washington (JR)