A Whole New World | 2025 UNC Basketball Season Preview

WACO, TX (October 23rd, 2025)- The story of the 2024–25 North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team was complicated, to say the least. But I’ll try to break it down for you.

Play a lackluster first half and go down double digits. Then, they'd wake up, go on a run to tie or even take the lead, then blow it at the end. That was the story of the season. The first marquee matchup set the tone. Against Kansas in Lawrence, the Heels trailed by 20, came all the way back to take a late lead…only to let it slip away. In the Jumpman Classic against eventual national champion Florida, they were down 17 in the first half, rallied to take the lead with under three minutes left, and then choked it away. The Duke game in the ACC Tournament? The Ole Miss game in the NCAA Tournament? You get the idea.

This team was on the edge of greatness but could never quite close the deal. A brutal 1–11 record in Quad 1 games told the story and seemingly doomed their tournament hopes. Their bubble fate felt sealed… or so we thought.

On Selection Sunday, UNC found itself staring at the very real possibility of missing two of the last three NCAA Tournaments. But they didn’t have to wait long for their name to be called. Slotted into the play-in game against San Diego State, the Heels’ inclusion shocked the nation. But let’s be honest...having athletic director Bubba Cunningham on the committee didn’t hurt.

“Last Team In.” For most programs, that’s pure exhilaration. For a blue blood like North Carolina, it felt like an embarrassment. Even with their ticket somehow punched, it was a wake-up call that this cannot happen again.

It was clear that North Carolina wasn’t built to hang with the big boys in 2024. The mission for 2025 is simple: get bigger, get tougher, and get shooters. With Tar Heel legend R.J. Davis headed to the pros, a wave of transfer-portal additions will try to bring UNC back to prominence.

Shooting and size were the priorities, and the newcomers are expected to add depth and consistency. Now, the question is whether head coach Hubert Davis can lead the Heels back to college basketball’s elite—or if they’ll continue trending downward in this new era of NIL and transfer-portal chaos.

It’s time to meet the 2025 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team and how I think they'll fare this season!

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Projected Starters

Kyan Evans, guard- North Carolina has had an abundance of riches in the backcourt over the years, most recently with R.J. Davis dominating college basketball. Much-maligned point guard Elliot Cadeau left Chapel Hill for Ann Arbor via the transfer portal, and in his stead comes Kyan Evans, a Colorado State transfer who should boost the Tar Heels’ shooting at the point. While he may not be the same level of facilitator as Cadeau, he’ll make up for it with his three-point shooting (44.6% from deep in ’24) and a willingness to knock down the big shot when it counts.

Seth Trimble, guard- In a world with the transfer portal, it’s becoming extremely rare at a big-time program to find a player as loyal as Seth Trimble has been to the Tar Heels. The senior will be the clear leader in the locker room, and you know exactly what you’re getting with him — a high-energy player who hustles for every loose ball. While his three-point consistency isn’t exactly where you’d want it for a starting two guard, his ability to finish at the cup and throw down some jaw-dropping dunks and layups is second to none. Fans should be excited to see Trimble back in baby blue, bringing some much-needed stability to a roster full of transfers.

Luka Bogavac, guard- Best shooter on the team? That might just be the Montenegro native UNC acquired this offseason. An unknown to most, those within the program are eager to see how his overseas production translates to the college game. He showed out with SC Derby Podgorica in the AdmiralBet ABA League, averaging 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 30 minutes of play. If UNC is going to make some noise in the ACC, they’ll need Bogavac to make the most of his opportunity.

Caleb Wilson, forward- A future SportsCenter Top 10 candidate in the making. Expectations are sky-high for the Tar Heels’ biggest 2025 recruit. Wilson will be a key cog in mastering the essentials that make championship teams click — offensive and defensive rebounding, multi-position defense, chase-down blocks, and relentless energy. His offensive highlights will come primarily inside the paint, where his strength and finishing ability shine. And when Tar Heel fans see that first raucous dunk, the Dean Dome might just shake with joy.

Henri Veesaar, center- The prized offseason pickup for North Carolina’s frontcourt, the former Arizona Wildcat finally gets his shot as a full-time starter for a premier program. It was no secret that the Tar Heels’ Achilles’ heel (pun fully intended) last season was at the five spot—especially on the defensive end. Their lack of size up front hurt them, but not anymore. The versatile 7-footer, Veesaar, can do it all—capable of playing both the four and five. He can knock down threes, finish efficiently in the paint, and isn’t afraid to block shots or bring some tough-nosed defense. Ladies and gentlemen, North Carolina has their guy.

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Key Reserves

Jonathan Powell, guard- A full-time starter for the West Virginia Mountaineers, the First Team Out in last year's NCAA Tournament, the 6'6 sophomore is primed to carve a crucial role in this offense. Powell is a bit of a boom-or-bust shooter but when he's hot, he's hot. The three-pointer is his calling card, draining 64 3's from the arc. His height and intangibles is exactly what the Tar Heels need to round out a viable ACC roster.

Jarin Stevenson, forward- A homecoming for the former Crimson Tide star. It's likely a dream come true for Stevenson who was born in Chapel Hill, NC of all places. Stevenson will need to work on his consistency but his calling card will be on the perimeter. Think Puff Johnson 2.0 for the Heels. Come off the bench and provide an instant spark on offense and defense.

Jaydon Young, guard- Another North Carolina native is coming home! Hailing from Goldsboro, NC, Young’s stats (8.1 PPG, 34.7% FG) might not jump off the page, but he brings valuable ACC experience. While Virginia Tech struggled last season, Young consistently gave maximum effort and finished strong — highlighted by 26- and 27-point performances in two of his final six conference games as a Hokie. He’s a classic “live by the three, die by the three” player, so expect some streaky shooting in what will likely be a limited role.

James Brown, center- New and improved? The sophomore center has bulked up and aims to earn some rotational minutes to spell Veesaar at the 5 spot. He's a raw player that made some typical freshman errors but gives his very best effort. I expect to see a steady improvement across the board in 2025.

Zayden High, forward- Suspended from the team in 2024 for sexual misconduct, High will now look to rebuild trust with the Tar Heels’ staff both on and off the court. He’ll battle for a meaningful backup role this season, but his likely calling card will be earning a few minutes as a high-energy spark off the bench — and showing gratitude for a second chance.

Derek Dixon, guard- I firmly believe Dixon is a star in the making. The first-year combo guard has been earning rave reviews this offseason—and it’s no surprise why. Known for his high basketball IQ and attention to detail, he does all the little things right, from his 91% free-throw shooting (in HS) to his disciplined decision-making. His elite three-point shooting is what will truly excite Hubert Davis and help him carve out key developmental minutes in 2025. Mark my words. If he stays the course and continues to grow, he’ll be the next great Tar Heel guard in time.

Isaiah Denis, guard- The Davidson, N.C. freshman is more of a long-term project compared to his first-year guard counterpart (Dixon), projecting as a rotational guard/wing with room to grow. While his frame may present some defensive issues early in his Tar Heel career, his perimeter scoring and ability to deliver timely buckets could help him stand out. He looks like more of a 2026 impact player...but who knows? He might just surprise everyone sooner than expected.

Ivan Matlekovic, center- The 7'0 (are you happy now Tar Heel fans) sophomore from Croatia likely will be riding the bench for most of the season. He had a limited role at High Point and that will likely be the case in Chapel Thrill.

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Biscuit Boys

Evan Smith, Elijah Davis, John Holbrook- SAUSAGE BISCUITS FOR EVERYONE! When the Tar Heels score 100 points in a game, Heels fans are rewarded not only with cheap delicious buttery biscuits from Bojangles but also a chance to see the 'Biscuit Boys' in action. Emptying the bench and letting every player touch the court in live action has to be one of the best traditions in sports.

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Schedule Analysis

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Preseason/Non-Conference Play

Before the regular season commences, North Carolina will play a pair of exhibition games to help them get ready for the season in late-October. The trend in college basketball was to have a "secret scrimmage" and now it has turned into a publicized preseason match. The Tar Heels will get an opportunity to test their revamped front court against A.J. Dybantsa and the BYU Cougars at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm not projecting a score for these matchups. Ideally, what we'll see is a first look at how Hubert Davis sees this rotation. Winston-Salem State comes to town on October 29th which UNC should be able to get an extended look at freshman Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis.

The real deal begins on Monday, November 3rd as Central Arkansas visits the Dean Dome. A team that was near the bottom of the A-Sun Conference should be easy pickings before a blockbuster Friday Night Matchup against Kansas. We've all been reminded about 'Quadrant 1' games in recent years. It's a matchup where the whole country will be watching. Hosting Kansas is a prime opportunity for payback after last year’s loss in Lawrence. Davis knows what's on the line this year and he'll deliver with an early season statement. Heels win by a basket or two.

UNC will start to get on a roll, beating Radford, North Carolina Central, and Navy to begin the season 5-0 before taking on two intriguing foes in the Fort Myers Tip-Off during Thanksgiving Week. The first opponent, St. Bonaventure, isn't an opponent that UNC should count as an automatic win. The Bonnies started their 2024-25 season blazing hot, going 14-1 before ultimately landing in the NIT. The A-10 is a very respectable conference headlined by teams like VCU and Dayton. Get caught looking ahead and this could be closer than it needs to be. That being said, I'd be pretty surprised if they dropped this contest.

The marquee event of the Ft. Myers event will be the Michigan State Spartans against the Tar Heels on Thanksgiving Day. For whatever reason, it seems as if Hubert Davis' squad tend to stub their toe in these early season mini-tournaments. I project that North Carolina suffers their first loss of the year and drops to 6-1.

The ACC-SEC Challenge was an epic fail if you're an ACC fan in 2024. The SEC won 14 of 16 contests in 2024, with Clemson's upset against Kentucky serving as the only true needle mover for the league. Can the Tar Heels give UK another loss in this challenge? This matchup is going to be a WAR. Another loss will have fans wondering if this is it for Hubert. Unfortunately, UNC will not fully be up to the task. They'll struggle in this one, dropping this contest to the Wildcats.

They'll have time to lick their wounds and regroup as they'll dominate Georgetown, USC Upstate, and ETSU before traveling down to Atlanta for the annual CBS Sports Classic. This year, they'll be taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Tar Heels got their only Q1 win against UCLA in last year's 'Classic' matchup. Can they pick up an important game here? I say yes. It won't be easy but it's a game they'll need to pick up if they want to be nationally relevant.

The final game of the non-con comes three days before Christmas with East Carolina visiting Chapel Hill. I project they take care of business, finishing the non-con with a very solid 11-2 record, headlined by capturing a 'presumed' crucial Q1 win against Kansas.

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Conference Play

The Atlantic Coast Conference has been catching heat the last few years...and rightfully so. Last season, the ACC had some firepower with Duke, Clemson, Louisville…anddddd a whole bunch of subpar play. This year, the conference should be better...but time will tell.

North Carolina's conference play journey begins in the Dean Dome as the Florida State Seminoles come to town. It’s crucial to start fast. There are only so many chances to pick up big wins in the ACC, and it’s just as important not to blow the “easy” ones, especially at home.

Starting in January, there are several potential pitfalls. Starting with a road game against SMU in Dallas, a potential NCAA Tournament team, UNC must start the year off strong and avoid the dreaded 'bubble' talk. Following a matchup with the Mustangs, the Heels will have some crucial stretches including one with four of five games on the road. The west coast trip with back-to-back games on the road against Stanford and California, presumed ACC bottomfeeders, could be ripe for getting upset if you're not focused. Those must be wins if you're serious about being a contender this season.

Which games should North Carolina circle on their calendar? There are four matchups that I'll be keeping my eye out on. The obvious candidate is the UNC-Duke rivalry. UNC went 0-3 against the Blue Devils last season. The heartbreaking loss for the Heels in the ACC Tournament by a basket had seemingly sealed their fate of making the NCAA Tournament...until it didn't. If you don't beat your rivals, and especially Duke, you're going to hear it. The two matchups vs these fierce rivals will be a classic as always.

Speaking of rivals, NC State's roster is revamped with Coach Will Wade now at the helm. And Wade's teams typically win whether that be at VCU, LSU, or McNeese State. Like it or not, this Wolfpack team is top-25 worthy, at least on paper. Don't forget about fan-favorite Ven-Allen Lubin transferring from UNC to that school in red. In the lone contest against NCSU this season, this will be a tone-setting matchup for the new era in Raleigh...and bragging rights for a whole year.

Finally, ESPN's 'Big Monday' pits the Louisville Cardinals against the Tar Heels on February 23rd. This Cardinals team has serious Final Four potential and while they flamed out in Round One of March Madness last year, it's clear that Pat Kelsey is building a program that will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future. If UNC finds itself on the precarious bubble again, this game could be massive.

While the ACC Tournament and March Madness bracket is unpredictable, my three predictions of the season are these:

#1. North Carolina will not be on the 'bubble' all season long

#2. Henri Veesaar is a First or Second Team All-ACC player

#3. Hubert Davis will use the biggest bench rotation since he has been HC

In conclusion, here's how I see North Carolina's schedule shaking out:

Losses to @Kentucky, vs Michigan State [neutral], @Virginia, vs Syracuse, @Miami, vs Louisville, @Duke, ACC Tournament loss, NCAA Tournament loss

FINAL RECORD PREDICTION: 33-9 [incl. postseason]| [3rd in the ACC]

CEILING: Elite Eight; ACC Tournament Champions

FLOOR: Round of 64 exit; Last Four In

PROJECTION: Round of 32; 3rd in the ACC

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Final Thoughts

In the new NIL era, even the traditional college basketball “blue bloods” are being forced to adapt to a more balanced Division I landscape. Roster management has never been more complex—player movement is constant, and roster turnover has become the norm. That’s why 2025 is a pivotal year for Hubert Davis. He needs to develop young players like Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis, giving them meaningful minutes that show they’re part of the program’s future. At the same time, winning early-season marquee Q1 matchups is crucial to keep North Carolina in the national conversation. The trend of mediocrity has to stop this year—or changes could be coming, starting at the top.

What's in store for North Carolina this year? The regular season is right around the corner so without further ado, "IT'S TIME FOR CAROLINA BASKETBALL!"