If you’re a college basketball fan who enjoys wearing Carolina Blue, chances are you’re extremely happy right now. UNC is now winners of five straight, thanks to Saturday’s instant classic, 71-68 comeback over Duke.
Hubert Davis made taller, roster upgrades a priority last offseason – and it’s paying off big-time. Henri Veesaar is a 7-foot center who controls games with his offensive arsenal, Caleb Wilson is the best freshman in college basketball, while guys like Luka Bogavac and Jarin Stevenson can play anywhere on the court.
Advertisement
North Carolina struggled to win big games a season ago, with UCLA its only Power 4 non-conference win. This year, the Tar Heels have big wins across the board, most notably vs. Kansas, at Kentucky and against the Blue Devils.
Infact, this is UNC’s first year beating all three Blue Bloods since its 1981-82 season. If you remember that year, North Carolina won its second of six NCAA Tournaments.
Michael Jordan won his lone NCAA Tournament Championship in 1982, beating Patrick Ewing and his Georgetown Hoyas. Those Tar Heels only lost two games: against Wake Forest and at Virginia.
One of UNC’s four losses this season came against Michigan State, an NCAA Championship contender, on Thanksgiving Day. North Carolina also lost at NCAA Tournament hopefuls Cal and SMU, but Stanford qualifies as arguably the only bad defeat.
Advertisement
The Tar Heels travel to Miami on Tuesday, then host Pitt Saturday. UNC plays at NC State next Tuesday, Syracuse on the 21st, hosts Louisville, Virginia Tech and Clemson, then ends regular season play at Duke.
Can North Carolina repeat history from 40+ years ago – and be the last team standing in April? There’s plenty of season left, but UNC is on the right track.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on. Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC topples Kansas, Kentucky and Duke for first time since 1981-82
