Tar Heels Fall Short at Cal: Hubert Davis Talks Urgency, Rebounding, and What Comes Next
Berkeley, CA - After a frustrating road loss to Cal on Saturday afternoon, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis didn’t mince words. The Tar Heels showed flashes of their potential, especially during a late-game push, but the overall performance left plenty to be desired - particularly in areas Davis has been harping on all season: urgency, rebounding, and defensive consistency.
Let’s break down what Davis had to say postgame and what it tells us about where this UNC team stands right now.
Urgency Arrived Late - But It Was Too Late
When asked about what sparked the Tar Heels’ second-half surge, Davis pointed to something that had been missing for much of the afternoon: urgency.
“There was a sense of urgency that wasn’t there the first 20, 25 minutes,” Davis admitted. “There were still mistakes… but it was done with an urgency and effort that allowed us to get back into the game.”
That urgency translated into better energy on both ends - diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and forcing Cal into uncomfortable possessions. But it also highlighted a larger issue: why does it take falling behind for this team to lock in?
Defensive Adjustments and the Press That Worked
One of the tactical shifts that helped UNC claw back was their full-court press - something Davis says has been in their toolbox all season, not just a spur-of-the-moment adjustment.
“We’ve been doing that all year,” Davis said. “Not just after made free throws, but consistently for multiple possessions.”
The press rattled Cal, and Davis specifically highlighted Caleb’s length and activity as a disruptive force. Add in some half-court tweaks - better discipline on closeouts, fewer fouls, and improved rebounding - and UNC started to look like the defensive unit they’re capable of being. But again, the question lingers: why only in stretches?
Rebounding: A Non-Negotiable That’s Still a Problem
Cal entered the game as one of the worst rebounding teams in the conference. And yet, they matched UNC on the boards - a stat that didn’t sit well with Davis.
“I always believe rebounding is the number one determining factor of the outcome of a game,” he said. “Our lack of ability to dominate the boards was a huge factor.”
UNC posted just a 30 percent offensive rebounding rate - well below their season goal. Davis didn’t chalk it up to just physicality either. For him, it’s about will and want-to.
“There’s a physicality about rebounding,” he said, “but ultimately it’s about a will and a want to.”
Derek Gets the Start - and Davis Keeps It Simple
Davis also made a tweak to the starting lineup, giving Derek his first career start. But don’t read too much into it - at least not according to Davis.
“I don’t make big deals out of starting lineups,” he said. “I felt like it would be good for us to get some different rotations.”
He praised Derek’s performance overall and noted that other young players like Zaydon and Jaydon also saw extended minutes. It’s clear Davis is still exploring combinations that can give this team a spark - especially in games where energy is lacking early.
Cal Didn’t Surprise - UNC Just Didn’t Execute Early
Davis made it clear: nothing Cal did caught them off guard. The Tar Heels were well-prepared for Cal’s offensive movement-heavy system - down screens, flares, staggers, duck-ins - but failed to respond with the necessary defensive readiness.
“There’s no time to take a deep breath,” Davis said of defending Cal’s offense. “Our readiness… wasn’t there at the beginning of the game.”
That lack of early focus cost UNC dearly. Cal’s Lee, their top offensive rebounder, set the tone early with three quick boards - a gut punch for a team that prides itself on owning the glass.
Three-Point Defense Still a Sore Spot
UNC has now given up 70 made threes in their first five ACC games - a stat that’s hard to ignore. Davis acknowledged the issue but emphasized that it’s not just about the shots themselves, but how they’re being created.
“You look at the threes, but I look at the source,” he said. “The urgency in closeouts, the rotations… those types of things have to consistently get better.”
Even on a day when the Heels were better in the second half, Cal still got clean looks - including a pair of threes from players who hadn’t made one all season. That’s the kind of breakdown that can swing a game.
Late-Game Execution Comes Up Empty
Despite the comeback effort, UNC went nearly four minutes without a field goal late in the game - a stretch that sealed their fate.
“We had opportunities,” Davis said. “We missed free throws… we had advantages on the break and came away with nothing.”
The Tar Heels got the looks they wanted - they just didn’t convert. It’s a reminder that in close games, execution in the final minutes is everything. And right now, UNC isn’t finishing the way they need to.
The Road Ahead: Accountability and Belief
Davis isn’t hitting the panic button - not yet. But he’s not sugarcoating things either.
“These are some bumps that we went through this week in three of the last four games,” he said. “We’re going to have to respond and fight back.”
His message to the team is clear: urgency, accountability, and execution can’t be optional. And despite the recent struggles, Davis remains confident in his group.
“I love these kids,” he said. “We’ve got an unbelievable great team to coach… and we’ll figure it out.”
Bottom Line: The Tar Heels have the tools - talent, depth, and coaching - to be a force. But until they bring urgency from the opening tip and clean up the fundamentals, they’ll keep learning tough lessons on the road.