In North Carolina’s latest win over USC Upstate, the headlines will likely go to the usual suspects-Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar stacking up double-doubles, Jonathan Powell lighting it up from the field. And sure, that trio played a big part in the Tar Heels’ victory.
But if you ask head coach Hubert Davis what stood out most, he won’t point to a stat line. He’ll point to the floor.
Literally.
Because sometimes, the biggest plays don’t show up in the box score.
After the game, Davis didn’t hesitate when asked about the moment that defined the afternoon. It wasn’t a dunk, a three-pointer, or a flashy assist.
It was a hustle play from freshman big man James Brown-someone who’s still fighting for consistent minutes in the rotation. Late in the game, Brown hit the deck to secure a loose ball.
No highlight reel, no roar from the crowd. But to Davis, it was the play of the game.
“JB dove on the floor, I was animated there, you know,” Davis said. “And so because that was hustle, and it might not show up on Instagram stories, but I thought it was the biggest play of the game.”
That kind of effort doesn’t get immortalized in postgame graphics or social media clips, but coaches live for it. Especially in a game like this.
Coming off finals week, with students heading out for winter break and the Dean Dome lacking its usual buzz, this was the kind of matchup where energy can waver. The Tar Heels had the clear edge in talent, but at times, it felt like they were stuck in second gear. That’s when hustle becomes contagious.
Brown’s dive wasn’t just about securing a possession-it was a tone-setter. It was a young player saying, “I’m here, and I’m ready to do the dirty work.” And for a team with championship aspirations, those moments matter just as much as a 20-point night from a star.
North Carolina used 10 of its 11 available scholarship players on Saturday, with only Seth Trimble sidelined in street clothes due to injury. That kind of bench usage speaks to Davis’ trust in his depth-and the importance of guys like Brown stepping up when called upon.
So while the box score told one story, the floor told another. And for Hubert Davis, the image of James Brown diving headfirst for a loose ball might stick with him longer than any stat line from the win. Because in a season that will ultimately be defined by toughness, chemistry, and effort, that’s the kind of play that wins games in March-even if it happens in December.