All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Continues Program's Toughest Early Slate in Six Decades

The pressure is now on for the 2024-25 UNC basketball team to finally make its first loud statement.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard RJ Davis
UNC basketball guard RJ Davis / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
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In most columns, the UNC basketball season stats don't look all that different from the unbeaten Florida Gators as they get ready for their Jumpman Invitational battle in Charlotte, N.C., at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN).

ALSO READ: UNC Season Leaders Entering Showdown in Charlotte

But the areas that differ give the No. 7-ranked Gators the outright advantage on paper, at least when ignoring the Tar Heels' 4-2 record in the all-time series, 2-0 overall record at the Jumpman Invitational, 168-27 record in second-home Charlotte, and 18-2 record in the Spectrum Center.

Compared to the Tar Heels (6-4, 1-0 ACC), the Gators (10-0, 0-0 SEC) are averaging roughly four more rebounds and three more forced turnovers while allowing their opponents about 13 fewer points per game. In other words, one big difference is defense.

Individually speaking, beyond UNC's substandard production from its post players, arguably the most concerning Tar Heel numbers involve defending ACC Player of the Year guard RJ Davis and his 3-point stroke. Not only is the fifth-year collegian shooting a career-low 25.0 percent beyond the arc, but he's also averaging a career-high 9.0 attempts from downtown per outing.

Not an ideal combination.

Florida is UNC's fourth top-10 opponent, marking the first time the program has seen that total prior to Jan. 1 since Dean Smith's 1967-68 Tar Heels, who finished 28-4 and reached the NCAA Tournament championship game, did so all in December.

Carolina could easily fall to 6-6 by week's end, as the Heels square off against the No. 18-ranked UCLA Bruins (9-1, 2-0 Big Ten) at the CBS Sports Classic in New York City's Madison Square Garden at 3 p.m. ET Saturday (CBS).

ALSO READ: UNC Newcomer Cade Tyson Answers Naysayers

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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