All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels Tease Takeoff for 'Secret Scrimmage'

UNC basketball has "headed south" for the weekend.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball center Armando Bacot (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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The 2023-24 UNC basketball team will face Florida Atlantic in a so-called "secret scrimmage" before the season begins. That much we've known for months.

In September, The Palm Beach Post's Tom D'Angelo reported that the scrimmage is set for Oct. 21 in FAU Arena. Well, that's Saturday.

And on Thursday afternoon, the Tar Heels' official account posted what looks to be a hint at confirmation of those when-and-where details, showing the UNC players loading the plane and "headed south":

With UNC's Live Action in the books and the squad's lone exhibition game on tap for next Friday (versus St. Augustine's in the Dean E. Smith Center), it makes sense for the tune-up against FAU to be this weekend.

Florida Atlantic, fresh off its first Final Four appearance and as a No. 9 seed, welcomes back its entire starting five. The Owls rank No. 10 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, which came out on Monday.

On that note, the "secret" opponent should provide a valuable test to Hubert Davis' third UNC basketball team.

UNC, with a blend of Tar Heel veterans, formidable additions from the transfer portal, and a few promising rookies, sits at No. 19. That's the same preseason ranking the 2021-22 Tar Heels (Davis' first UNC squad) held before famously spoiling rival Duke basketball legend Mike Krzyzewski's retirement party — twice — and reaching the national title game.

These 2023-24 Tar Heels tip off their regular season on Nov. 6, a Monday night, at home against the Radford Highlanders.

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com 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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