After a tough West Coast swing that saw North Carolina drop back-to-back games to Stanford and Cal, head coach Hubert Davis addressed the media on Monday during the ACC coaches' Zoom call. With the Tar Heels now sitting at 14-4 overall and just 2-3 in ACC play, there's no sugarcoating it-this team is searching for answers, especially on the defensive end and in late-game execution.
Caleb Wilson’s Usage Down the Stretch
One of the big talking points continues to be the usage-or lack thereof-of star forward Caleb Wilson in crunch time. Over the last four games, Wilson has taken four or fewer shots in the final 15 minutes of each contest. That includes the narrow win over Wake Forest, where a 15-point lead nearly vanished, and the losses to SMU, Stanford, and Cal.
Davis was asked again Monday about the need to get Wilson more involved late in games. His response was measured but pointed.
“Those are your stats,” Davis said, before pointing out that Wilson contributes in more ways than just shot attempts. “Down the floor from an offensive standpoint, he either gets an offensive rebound, he assisted, or he gets fouled and gets to the free throw line.”
When it was noted that Wilson has only been to the line four times over the last two games, Davis acknowledged the need to feed his future lottery pick more often-but also highlighted the defensive attention Wilson commands. “Defenses pay him a lot of attention as well, doubling whenever he catches the basketball and trying to get the ball out of his hands.”
For example, in the final 15:44 against Cal, Wilson went 0-for-3 from the field, hit 3-of-4 free throws, grabbed four rebounds (two offensive), and dished out one assist. Just three points in crunch time for your best player isn’t going to get it done, especially on the road.
Defensive Struggles and Potential Adjustments
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s matchup against Notre Dame and a weekend trip to Virginia, Davis emphasized the need for defensive improvement. “We didn’t play up to the standards which we needed to from a defensive standpoint,” he said, reflecting on the road losses.
He also left the door open for possible changes on that end of the floor, although he made it clear those adjustments are still under discussion. “Possible,” he emphasized when asked to clarify.
UNC has struggled to string together stops, especially late in games, and that’s been a major factor in their recent slide. Whether it’s personnel tweaks, scheme adjustments, or simply better execution, something has to give if the Tar Heels want to get back on track in the ACC.
Late-Game Offense: Shot Selection in the Spotlight
Another area under the microscope is shot selection, particularly in the closing minutes. Against Cal, UNC went 1-for-7 down the stretch, with guard Seth Trimble missing three straight shots in the final 2:27. When asked about those looks, Davis didn’t single out Trimble but instead pointed to broader offensive issues.
“There are times from an offensive standpoint that our shot selection isn’t great, our execution isn’t great, and obviously we’ve struggled with free throws at times,” Davis said. “It’s not just in late-game situations; those are things that I’m looking at throughout the entire game.”
It’s a fair assessment. The Heels have had stretches where the offense stagnates, the ball sticks, and they settle for tough shots. That’s not a winning formula, especially against quality opponents.
Leadership from Within
One positive takeaway from the Cal game? Caleb Wilson’s vocal leadership.
During a first-half timeout, Wilson was visibly animated, rallying the team in front of both teammates and coaches. Davis didn’t just allow it-he welcomed it.
“I love our guys being vocal and communicating,” Davis said. “If you’re not talking, you’re not communicating, you’re not playing basketball. But it’s also two parts: It’s saying those things and also doing those things.”
That kind of player-led accountability is what every coach wants to see, especially from a star like Wilson. It’s a sign he’s not just invested in his own performance, but in the team’s growth as a whole.
Looking Ahead
With Notre Dame coming to the Smith Center on Wednesday night and a road test at Virginia looming on Saturday, the Tar Heels are entering a pivotal stretch. At 2-3 in conference play, there’s little margin for error if they want to stay in the hunt near the top of the ACC standings.
Davis was also asked about the possibility of using more full-court pressure, especially after it sparked a run against Cal. He didn’t commit to anything specific but acknowledged that all options are on the table as they search for the right formula.
And yes, the West Coast trip-two games in four days-was a grind. But Davis didn’t dwell on the travel. His focus remains on what his team can control: defense, execution, communication, and maximizing the talents of a roster that still has the tools to make noise.
The question now is whether they can put it all together, and fast.