The Tar Heels closed out their nonconference slate with authority, steamrolling East Carolina 99-51 in Chapel Hill. It was the kind of statement win that doesn’t just pad the win column-it reinforces what’s becoming increasingly clear: this Carolina team is built for something bigger.
At 12-1, Carolina is in rare air. Only four other Tar Heel teams this century have started a season this hot.
The last time UNC opened better? You have to go back to the 2008 and 2009 squads-both 13-0 at this point.
That’s the kind of company this team is keeping, and it says a lot about the consistency, depth, and upside of this year’s group.
Caleb Wilson: Dunk Machine, Scoring Force
The headliner once again was Caleb Wilson, who dropped 21 points and continues to play like a veteran trapped in a freshman’s body. Wilson didn’t just score-he soared.
Five of his seven field goals were dunks, bringing his season total to a staggering 41 slams. That’s not a typo.
Forty-one of his 87 made field goals this season have been dunks. That kind of vertical dominance isn’t just highlight-reel material-it’s a tone-setter.
He’s now scored 20 or more in five straight games, joining Phil Ford as the only UNC freshmen to do that. That’s elite company.
One of Wilson’s dunks came off a smooth lob from Jonathan Powell in the first half-a play that showcased not just his athleticism, but the growing chemistry in this lineup. Wilson’s finishing ability around the rim is a constant threat, and it’s opening up the floor for everyone else.
Henri Veesaar: Stretching the Floor, Making History
Henri Veesaar added 16 points and was lights-out from deep, going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. For a guy who shot just 27% from the field and 32% from three during his time at Arizona, his transformation has been eye-opening.
He’s now shooting 50% from three this season, and his ability to knock down shots-especially from the top of the key-has become a legitimate weapon in Carolina’s half-court offense. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about spacing, and Veesaar is helping unlock new layers for this team.
Both Veesaar and Wilson recorded double-doubles-again. That’s the sixth time this season the duo has pulled it off in the same game.
Only three other pairs in Carolina history have done it more often: Tyler Zeller and John Henson (9), Rusty Clark and Larry Miller (8), and Pete Brennan and Lennie Rosenbluth (7). That’s not just a fun stat-it’s a reflection of how dominant this frontcourt pairing has become.
Luka Bogavac Reemerges
Luka Bogavac chipped in 15 points and looked much more comfortable after a quiet couple of games. He had been just 1-for-5 combined in his last two outings, but against ECU, he found his rhythm-hitting five of nine shots, getting to the line five times, and grabbing four boards.
When Bogavac is engaged offensively, this team becomes a lot harder to guard. His versatility adds another dimension to the lineup, and it was good to see him reassert himself.
Seth Trimble rounded out the double-figure scorers with 12 points, continuing to build momentum after missing nine games earlier this season. His return has helped stabilize the rotation and added another layer of toughness on both ends.
Defense, Transition, and a Glimpse of Zone
Defensively, Carolina was locked in. East Carolina shot just 26% from the field, and no opponent has cracked the 75-point mark against the Heels all season.
That’s not just effort-it’s execution. The Heels also dominated in transition, turning seven first-half ECU turnovers into 14 points and winning the fast-break battle 16-0.
As assistant coach Jeff Lebo put it at halftime: “That’s Carolina Basketball.”
Interestingly, the Heels even experimented with a zone defense for a few possessions in the second half-the first time we’ve seen it this season. It wasn’t perfect, but it’s another tool in the toolbox as ACC play approaches.
One area to monitor: ECU’s Giovanni Emejuru had some success throwing his weight around in the paint. That’s something other teams with physical bigs may try to replicate.
Smith Center Stronghold
Carolina is now a perfect 9-0 at home, winning those games by an average of 22.7 points. The Smith Center is once again a fortress, and the team is feeding off that home energy.
Even late in the game, there were bright spots. Isaiah Denis, buried behind a deep rotation, made the most of his minutes with six points. The coaching staff wants him to bring it on the defensive end too, and if he does, he could carve out a bigger role down the line.
Setting the Stage for ACC Play
The Tar Heels wrap up nonconference play at 12-1, with wins over Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio State, plus a solid victory over Georgetown. The only blemish came on Thanksgiving Day against Michigan State. More importantly, they’ve handled business at home, navigated injuries-most notably Trimble’s early absence-and put themselves in prime position heading into the heart of the schedule.
With the ACC looking stronger this season, there will be plenty of chances to rack up quality wins. If Carolina can carry this momentum into conference play, they won’t just be in the national conversation-they’ll be leading it.