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Clips From First Official 2024-25 UNC Basketball Practice

The UNC basketball players have heard intense words of wisdom this week.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard RJ Davis
UNC basketball guard RJ Davis / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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The 2024-25 UNC basketball squad held countless workouts over the summer. But Monday marked the Tar Heels' first official practice.

And on Monday afternoon, the program's social media team produced and posted 90 seconds of highlights from the action in the Dean E. Smith Center as the backdrop to impassioned speeches from three former Tar Heel players, including head coach Hubert Davis.

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They begin with a pep talk from 2005 UNC basketball national champion big man and seasoned Tar Heel assistant Sean May before May's three-year Tar Heel teammate and fellow 2025 champ, Jawad Williams, chimes in with several motivational remarks of his own.

Davis' energy-fueling words to his fourth team serve as the narration for the final third of the first-practice hype video on Roy Williams Court:

"North Carolina is here," Davis proclaims to his Tar Heels in the final scene. "Every year, we're here. What you gonna do?"

UNC, featuring the returning backcourt duo of sophomore Elliot Cadeau and the defending ACC Player of the Year in fifth-year star RJ Davis plus a deep cast of proven transfer additions and heralded freshmen, tips off its 2024-25 season at home against Elon on Nov. 4. The Tar Heels then head to Lawrence for a highly anticipated showdown against fellow blueblood Kansas in historic Allen Fieldhouse four days later.

ALSO READ: Tar Heels Ready for Full 2024-25 Schedule Reveal

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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