Hubert Davis Turns the Page After Duke Win, Eyes Miami Challenge
CHAPEL HILL - After an emotional rivalry win over Duke, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis isn’t letting his team get too comfortable. Less than 48 hours after the Tar Heels took down their biggest rival in a high-stakes showdown, Davis met with the media to shift the focus forward - straight to Tuesday night’s matchup against a dangerous Miami squad.
“We had practice yesterday, and our focus was on our preparation for Miami,” Davis said. “We understand the challenge of tomorrow night against a really good Miami team and how important our practices are and our preparation.”
That’s the message Davis is sending loud and clear: celebrate the Duke win, sure - but don’t get stuck in it. With ACC play heating up and every game carrying weight in the standings, there's no time for a victory lap.
Veesaar’s Second-Half Surge
One of the biggest storylines from Saturday’s win was the breakout performance from center Henri Veesaar. After a quiet first half - zero points, zero defensive rebounds - the 7-footer flipped the switch in the second, delivering a double-double that helped swing momentum back in Carolina’s favor.
“He was dominant down low in the post,” Davis said. “Henri, in the second half, he was huge.”
One of the most crucial moments came late, when Veesaar knocked down a game-tying three - a shot that wasn’t even drawn up for him.
“That last three that tied the game, it wasn’t even for him,” Davis explained. “It was for Derek, who had just hit a three. Henri got the ball, felt like he had enough space to shoot, and it was just a game-time decision.”
That kind of instinct and confidence from a big man? It’s the kind of thing that can change the ceiling of this team down the stretch.
Court-Storming Fallout and Communication with Duke
Saturday night’s win wasn’t without controversy. After the final buzzer, fans stormed the court, and a Duke staffer was injured in the chaos. UNC was hit with a $50,000 fine, and the incident sparked plenty of discussion.
Davis confirmed he’s been in touch with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer following the incident, but didn’t elaborate further. He did, however, publicly support the comments made by UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham in the aftermath.
“I feel comfortable with the comments that Bubba made after the game,” Davis said. “I’d like to stand by his comments.”
Scouting the Hurricanes
Next up: a Miami team led by first-year head coach Jai Lucas. Davis made it clear that the Hurricanes bring a unique set of challenges on both ends of the floor.
“I think they’re really good defensively,” Davis said. “They do a number of different things.
They can impact - in regards to getting stops - whether it’s man or zone. They can block and alter shots.”
But it’s not just their defense that has Davis’ attention. Miami’s offense, while not reliant on the three-point shot, is built around versatility and paint dominance - a combination that can be tough to contain.
“On the offensive end, you’re really good when you’re a three-level scorer,” Davis added. “I know they don’t make or take a ton of threes, but they have the ability to get hot.”
That ability to score inside and open things up elsewhere is something Davis and his staff are preparing for intently.
Caleb Wilson’s Leadership Emerges
Freshman Caleb Wilson continues to grow into his role - not just as a scorer, but as a vocal leader. Davis praised Wilson’s emotional presence during Saturday’s game, particularly in huddles where the freshman was seen rallying teammates with fire and urgency.
“Not only do I like it, I encourage it,” Davis said. “And it’s something that is required.
We fed off of that. We fed off of Caleb, and we fed off of a number of players throughout the game.”
Wilson’s energy, paired with veteran contributions and a rising confidence from players like Veesaar, gives this Tar Heels team a dynamic edge as the season grinds on.
What’s Next
With Duke in the rearview and Miami on the horizon, Davis is doing what all great coaches do - keeping his team grounded, focused, and hungry. The ACC gauntlet doesn’t let up, and if Saturday was a statement win, Tuesday is a test of maturity.
The Tar Heels are learning how to win big games. Now they’ll need to show they can move on from them just as quickly.