The Tar Heels are starting to look like a team that’s figured itself out-and that’s saying something this early in the season. North Carolina pushed its record to 10-1 with a convincing win over East Tennessee State, a game that felt far more energized than their previous outing against SC Upstate. This one had rhythm, response, and a sense of control from Hubert Davis’ squad, even as ETSU tried to slow the tempo to a crawl.
The Buccaneers came in with a clear game plan: drain the shot clock, limit UNC’s possessions, and keep it close. And for a while, they did just that.
ETSU worked the ball deep into the clock on nearly every possession, forcing Carolina to stay disciplined on defense and patient on offense. But the Tar Heels didn’t flinch.
They absorbed the deliberate pace, adjusted, and then turned up the pressure in the second half.
What we’re seeing from UNC this season is a team that fits together in a way last year’s roster never quite did. The talent was there in 2024-25, no question-but the pieces didn’t mesh.
This year, it’s different. This group moves like a unit.
The spacing is better, the decision-making sharper, and there’s a balance on both ends of the floor that’s been missing in recent seasons.
Think of it like a well-crafted piece of Japanese joinery-no nails, no screws, just perfectly cut pieces locking into place. That’s how this team is starting to play. Roles are defined, the chemistry is visible, and the trust is growing with every game.
The win over ETSU might not make headlines nationally, but it’s the kind of performance that builds momentum. It was the final buy-game on the schedule, and UNC treated it like a tune-up with purpose.
They didn’t just go through the motions-they executed, adjusted, and closed strong. That’s the mark of a team that’s not just winning, but growing.
With conference play looming, this version of the Tar Heels looks ready for the grind. The tests will get tougher, the pace will pick up, and the spotlight will only get brighter. But if this team continues to click the way it has through 11 games, they’re going to be a problem in the ACC-and beyond.