All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Trails Two Teams in Projected ACC Standings

The media voted the 2023-24 UNC basketball team to finish third in the ACC.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis (James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports)
In this story:

Last season, not only was UNC basketball the projected favorite to win the ACC, but the Tar Heels, under then-second-year head coach Hubert Davis, ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll. They became the first preseason No. 1 in history to come up short of an NCAA Tournament bid.

The Tar Heels amassed an 11-9 record in conference action (20-13 overall), coming in at No. 7 in the standings.

Now, as Davis' third batch of Tar Heels gear up for an exhibition game against visiting St. Augustine's at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday in the Dean E. Smith Center, they rank No. 19 in the AP Top 25. As of Thursday, the media has pegged them to finish No. 3 in the ACC, below No. 1 Duke (No. 2 AP ranking) and No. 2 Miami (No. 13 AP ranking).

Four squads received at least one first-place vote in Duke (44), Miami (five), UNC (one), and Virginia (one).

Duke and Miami have players on the Preseason All-ACC First Team (Duke's Kyle Filipowski and Miami's Norchad Omier) and Preseason All-ACC Second Team (Duke's Tyrese Proctor and Miami's Nijel Pack).

UNC's only representation between either team is its preseason All-American in fifth-year center Armando Bacot, who finished second behind Filipowski in the ACC Preseason Player of the Year voting this go-round. However, the Tar Heels boast the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year in five-star guard Elliot Cadeau.

UNC's Armando Bacot Looks to Put Jersey in Rafters

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