When you think of the great traditions in college basketball, North Carolina’s legacy speaks for itself - national titles, Hall of Fame coaches, NBA talent galore. But tucked beneath the banners and beyond the box scores is a quieter, yet impressively consistent feat: the Tar Heels have hit at least one three-pointer in every single game since 1997. And now, as they gear up to face Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, they’re on the brink of making it a clean 1,000 straight.
That’s right - 1,000 consecutive games with at least one made three. A streak that’s spanned nearly 30 seasons, multiple coaching regimes, and a basketball era that’s evolved from post-heavy offenses to today’s perimeter-centric game.
It’s a testament not just to longevity, but to adaptability. And yes, it’s the kind of stat that might fly under the radar - unless you’ve got someone like Steve Kirschner, UNC’s longtime athletic communications guru, keeping tabs on the details that make this program special.
The Numbers Back It Up
Let’s be clear: this isn’t some fluky streak hanging on by a thread. Through their first 11 games this season, the Tar Heels have hit at least eight threes in nine of them.
Even in their worst offensive outing - a tough night against Michigan State - they still managed to knock down four from deep. So while no one’s trying to tempt fate, the data suggests this milestone is well within reach.
This year’s squad has no shortage of shooters, and that’s part of what makes this streak feel more like a certainty than a question mark. They space the floor well, they move the ball, and they aren’t afraid to let it fly. Whether it’s in transition, off a drive-and-kick, or from a set play, the three-point shot is very much a part of their offensive identity.
Who Might Make History?
The beauty of this team is that there isn’t just one guy you circle as the go-to shooter. There are options - and good ones.
Kyan Evans and Luka Bogavac both bring elite shooting touch to the floor. Either one could easily be the first to connect from beyond the arc.
Caleb Wilson, while more known for his versatility and slashing ability, has shown he can step out and hit the occasional three. If Seth Trimble is back in the rotation, he’s another candidate to break the seal.
Then there’s the bench. Jonathan Powell and Derek Dixon are both capable of providing instant offense, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of them get the honor.
But if we’re calling our shot? Keep an eye on Henri Veesaar.
The big man has the kind of inside-out game that can catch defenses off guard, and he’s not shy about pulling the trigger from deep.
More Than Just a Number
Is this streak going to make or break UNC’s season? Of course not.
But it’s one of those markers that speaks to the consistency and evolution of the program. In a sport where rosters turn over quickly and styles of play shift from year to year, maintaining a streak like this says something.
It says that no matter who’s wearing the jersey, the Tar Heels are going to find a way to score - and they’re going to do it in a way that reflects the modern game.
So when UNC takes the floor against Ohio State, keep an eye on that first three-pointer. It might not come with fireworks or a special announcement, but it’ll be a quiet nod to nearly three decades of offensive continuity. And if you’re Steve Kirschner, it’ll be one more line in the record book that proves just how deep the Carolina tradition runs.