Hubert Davis Under Fire After Disappointing Offseason — Can UNC Bounce Back?
It might be time for Hubert Davis to face a serious reality check.
Expectations for UNC basketball’s 2025–26 season are murky at best. While some fans are holding out hope for a turnaround, critics are sounding the alarm — and The Field of 68 crew is among the loudest voices expressing doubt about the direction of the Tar Heels.
On a recent podcast, founder Rob Dauster didn’t mince words when evaluating Davis’ offseason performance, pointing to missed opportunities and a lack of star power in Chapel Hill’s transfer haul.
Dauster’s biggest concern? How the staff handled the point guard position. After losing Elliot Cadeau to Michigan and seeing RJ Davis graduate, UNC landed Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans — a player Dauster deemed underwhelming for a program of UNC’s stature.
“They ended up with Kyan Evans,” Dauster said. “All due respect, he’s a solid player, but he was the third-best guy on Colorado State last year. If that’s who you’re plugging in to replace RJ Davis, that’s a problem.”
Dauster also questioned the overall quality of the portal additions, including Jaydon Young, Jarin Stevenson, Henri Veesaar, and Jonathan Powell. While each may bring something to the table, none projects as the kind of game-changing star UNC desperately needs.
The Heels are reportedly still in the mix for international talent, and all eyes are on Jamir Watkins, who could still withdraw from the NBA Draft. If he does, many believe Davis needs to go all-in.
As it stands, this Tar Heel squad doesn’t look like a March Madness contender. There’s still time to change that — but if Davis doesn’t land a few difference-makers soon, UNC could be headed for another underwhelming campaign.
Doubts Linger as Hubert Davis Leads Another UNC Team Into the Tournament
When looking ahead to North Carolina’s 2025–26 basketball roster, there’s little that jumps out as championship-caliber on paper.
Ian Jackson remains the only freshman to average double-digit scoring during Hubert Davis’ time as head coach, posting 11.9 points per game before transferring—a season marked by inconsistent playing time and shifting responsibilities. Now, another highly touted five-star and McDonald’s All-American, Caleb Wilson, arrives in Chapel Hill. But despite his top-10 pedigree, some believe he could start the season in a reserve role, just as Jackson did a year ago.
“I don’t know if North Carolina is a tournament team right now,” Rob Dauster of The Field of 68 said on Thursday, reflecting growing skepticism around the program’s current trajectory.
The incoming recruiting class features two four-star guards, and the returning core is slim. Only one returning player, senior guard Seth Trimble, logged part-time starts last season. While UNC was active in the transfer portal, the additions didn’t include many high-profile names. The lone top-100 transfer is Henri Veesaar, a 7-footer from Arizona expected to start at center—but he’s yet to score in double figures at the collegiate level and only recently cracked a starting lineup.
Now entering his fifth year, Hubert Davis leads a team that lacks battle-tested production and high-end talent. The Tar Heels have tumbled out of most way-too-early top 25 rankings and continue to underwhelm fans who hoped for a stronger offseason—especially after last season’s late collapse and narrow NCAA Tournament miss.
Top UNC Target Draws Attention from Duke Head Coach
A top point guard from the 2026 class is back in Duke’s sights — and making a strong impression.
After initial interest fizzled last summer, Blair Academy (NJ) standout Deron Rippey Jr. is once again gaining traction with the Blue Devils. Per HS Top Recruits, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was courtside Saturday during the 3SSB event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, keeping a close eye on the explosive 6-foot-2 guard.
Rippey delivered a standout performance, racking up 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals to lead New Heights to a win — all while a crowd of top-tier coaches looked on, including UConn’s Dan Hurley, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, and multiple UNC assistants.
Ranked No. 19 nationally and the No. 5 point guard in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Rippey has surged up the rankings by 12 spots in the last year, thanks to his elite quickness, playmaking ability, and disruptive defense.
Duke’s 2026 recruiting board remains focused on a select group of elite five-star prospects, and Rippey now appears to be a serious contender as Scheyer begins shaping his next backcourt leader.
Major Addition for the Tar Heels: Jaydon Young Commits to UNC!
The North Carolina Tar Heels have landed a key piece for their future—please welcome Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!
The 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, is known for his tough, two-way play and brings the kind of intensity, scoring punch, and defensive edge that fits right into UNC’s storied tradition. A high-IQ player with strong leadership skills, Young has consistently impressed throughout his high school career and continues to elevate his game.
With offers from numerous top programs, Young ultimately chose UNC thanks to its rich history, strong coaching staff, and the family culture surrounding the program. His decision isn’t just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s another signal that Hubert Davis is successfully securing top-tier in-state talent and assembling a roster built to compete for championships.
Tar Heel Nation has every reason to be excited. Young thrives under pressure and lives for big moments—whether it’s hitting threes, locking up opposing scorers, or making hustle plays that swing momentum.
With Young on board, UNC’s backcourt outlook just became even stronger—and tougher.
Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill can’t wait to see you in blue!
Former UNC Basketball Target Back on the Market After Surprise Decommitment
Once a serious target for the Tar Heels, Niko Bundalo is back on the recruiting board.
The 6-foot-10 forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had UNC among his top nine schools last fall and later included the Tar Heels in his final four alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. But in a surprising twist, he committed to Washington in November—a program that hadn’t appeared in his initial lists.
Now, Bundalo has reopened his recruitment. Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that he has been released from his National Letter of Intent with Washington and is now uncommitted.
Bundalo, ranked No. 31 overall in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, becomes the second-highest ranked uncommitted player in the cycle.
It remains to be seen if UNC head coach Hubert Davis will reignite interest. However, Bundalo’s longstanding ties to the Tar Heels—fueled in part by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan—could make UNC a natural contender once again. The Heels still have open roster spots for the upcoming season.
UNC Still in the Mix for Top Forward Anthony Thompson
North Carolina remains a contender for one of the nation’s top 2026 recruits, as five-star forward Anthony Thompson included the Tar Heels in his recently announced top 15.
The 6-foot-8 small forward from Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) received an offer from UNC in January, and nearly four months later, the Heels have cut. Thompson shared his list on social media Friday, highlighting UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.
Thompson earned more than 30 offers before narrowing his list. According to 247Sports Composite rankings for 2026, he ranks No. 11 nationally, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the top overall prospect in Ohio.
247Sports analyst Eric Bossi praised Thompson’s game recently, saying, “It’s hard to find a prettier jump shot,” and highlighted his remarkable 7-foot-3 wingspan.
UNC continues to stay active in the 2026 recruiting cycle, remaining in strong contention for several of the nation’s top prospects.
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