All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Program Earns First Final Ranking Since 2019

The UNC basketball team fell to No. 5 in the rankings but will have a No. 1 by its name from here on out.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

UNC basketball began the season at No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and climbed as high as No. 3. And on Monday, the Tar Heels (27-7 overall record) dropped one spot from last week, stemming from the loss to rival NC State in Saturday's ACC Tournament title game, to No. 5 in the final AP Poll of the season.

RELATED: UNC Pads Record, Becomes ACC's First No. 1 Seed This Decade

The program hadn't appeared in any season's final AP Poll since 2019, the last time UNC held a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Four other ACC teams earned an invite to this year's March Madness bracket released on Sunday night. However, archrival Duke, a No. 4 seed and ranked No. 13 this week, is the only other one to end up in the final AP Poll.

Hubert Davis' third UNC basketball squad, on the top line in the West region, begins its NCAA Tournament journey in Charlotte at 2:45 p.m. ET Thursday (CBS) against Tuesday's winner between No. 16 seeds Howard and Wagner.

STREAM: fuboTV (start your free trial)

"It's great being a No. 1 seed," Davis said. "But it's an NCAA Tournament. It's 68 accomplished teams, so you have to come play, whatever seed you are, wherever you play, so our preparation, practice and play will be the same as it's been for 34 games.

"We're excited about the challenge."

UNC Signee Aces Senior Night With Unforgettable Flush

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

Published
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.

Home/Basketball