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UNC Basketball Reveals First Starting Five of 2024-25 Season

The UNC basketball starting backcourt looks the same as last go-round, but mostly new Tar Heel starters fill the other spots.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard Elliot Cadeau
UNC basketball guard Elliot Cadeau / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Boasting one of the nation's most electrifying returning backcourts in sophomore floor general Elliot Cadeau and graduate shooting guard RJ Davis, the 2024-25 UNC basketball squad tips off its campaign against the visiting Elon Phoenix in the Dean E. Smith Center at 9 p.m. ET Monday (ACC Network).

ALSO READ: Priority 2025 Tar Heel Target Caleb Wilson Teases Major List Cut

Ahead of the matchup, Hubert Davis' fourth opener as head coach of the Tar Heels, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI confirmed the first UNC basketball starting lineup of the season.

Of course, the cast includes full-time 2023-24 starters Elliot Cadeau and RJ Davis, the defending ACC Player of the Year.

Here's the defending ACC regular season champions' complete starting five versus the Phoenix, featuring two juniors and another graduate alongside Cadeau and Davis:

  • Sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau
  • Graduate guard RJ Davis
  • Junior guard Seth Trimble
  • Graduate forward Jae'Lyn Withers
  • Junior forward Jalen Washington

Hubert Davis brings his 78-31 overall record, including last season's ACC regular season title and a 2022 national championship game appearance, to his fourth campaign at the helm.

After battling Elon, UNC basketball, No. 9 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, will prepare for a highly anticipated road showdown against No. 1 Kansas in the Jayhawks' famed Allen Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. ET Friday (ESPN2).

ALSO READ: Latest UNC Recruiting Prize Coming to Nearby Prep Showcase

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more on the 2024-25 Tar Heels and other 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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