Hubert Davis

[uncfanatic]

i saw one section, maybe an upper corner, that was light…just looked like it was crowded i guess, especially compared to last weekend.

so, do you believe a large majority of the fanbase is hoping to miss the tournament in order to get a change or make the tournament because “we must make the tournament”?

i’m kinda torn to be honest…i said “he’s gotta go two weeks ago” so i guess i’m there.

Make or don’t make it honestly doesn’t bother me this year - I’m looking at the next 5–10 years and the big picture. Our streak ended long ago of consecutive years and the Clemson being 0-65 in CH. Those things will eventually happen.

I think HD gets next year with the class coming in and the portal. He has some of the blame for messing up the portal imo. Some say we didn’t have money and others say we did - HD just wasn’t playing that game. I believe he is smart enough to realize that is the game now and he’s going to have to change to be contending. This isn’t the 90s anymore where UNC is elite and can pick and choose who we want.

Fool me once - okay. If you and I are sitting here in January 2026 having this conversation then he’s gone and should be.

So to answer your question - I honestly don’t care because this team is so blah currently then I will have a hard time getting excited to squeeze in the dance and then get smacked back to Chapel Hill in the first round.

 

[big_deez]

I seriously mean it’s nice to have this positive outlook. Kudos.

But can you say Hubert has made this year’s team better - any player as an individual- or the team as a whole, given the known pieces / players he has - and all their strengths and limitations as individuals and as a team? Has he built game plans and coached them to optimize (get most out of what they are, stretch and challenge them) them as a team? That’s what being a good coach means to me. You see it often at smaller or lesser known programs who compete and win above average / expected level.

I see absolutely none of that with Hubert in 4 years, especially this year. If anything this team has regressed from early on. Maybe that is because through scouting teams can see how to play us and that we have zero inside game or threat. Ok - so what does Hubert do to adjust to that strategically?

All I see or hear is a bunch of “golly gee we need to play hard and smart and outcompete and hope for the best”. Empty BS that no legit high level D1 coach should get away with, let alone what should be a top 5 (top 10 at least) program and job in the nation

He’s had 4 years to show he can be a good D1 coach. I don’t see improvement or learning by him in any area. I seriously ask his supporters who ask for more time for him - what is one thing as a coach he’s improved on in his 4 years or this year? And that includes picking coaches / staff on his bench who can make the team develop, get better ie a big man coach, a shooting specialist coach, defensive coach, etc?

I’m out on Hubert no matter how this year ends - and I guarantee it’s going to end poorly. No way we make ncaa tourney - and likely won’t play in NIT. Making the NIT should be a humiliation for this program obviously, not a goal

Heel, thats fair man, honestly, you state some valid points, hard to argue. Mr. Tremble is really the player that seems to have developed at some level but I can't necessarily lay that HD and Corp. As good as these freshmen have gotten, I think this team has regressed. This team misses Bocot, as good as he was for this team, he wasn't a highly skilled big man. Don't get me wrong, dude was a beast, a dominant force, but did his game seem to develop greatly over time at UNC? After that many years, with his size, strength and dominant presence, I would expect him to be a top pick. He really hasn't shown attributes to succeed in the league. I digress... As far as HD goes, is 3.5 years enough to show him the door? If he turns this around with recruiting in the off season and 2025-2026 is back at the top, would you think firing him was premature? On the otherhand, I guess if he is ranked preseason #1 in 2026-2027(after stellar year) and flops again, it's a no brainer? I guess your point is that its time to avoid all that and get rid of him now. Very good debate actually, it would be cool to have honest dialog, some pros and cons adding some good data and statistics. Honestly though, if these guys could hit shots, at least meet expectations, fire HD my not be much of a discussion this year.

 

[al would]

just for a clearer picture, i might re-watch the kansas and mich st games this week.

I'm not sure what your hoping to find but with the constantly changing line ups and general lack of direction on both O&D, anything resembling consistent improvement might be hard to find. jmo .. let me know if you do.

 

[DSouthr]

i saw one section, maybe an upper corner, that was light…just looked like it was crowded i guess, especially compared to last weekend.

so, do you believe a large majority of the fanbase is hoping to miss the tournament in order to get a change or make the tournament because “we must make the tournament”?

i’m kinda torn to be honest…i said “he’s gotta go two weeks ago” so i guess i’m there.

I just cannot understand how anyone can root for UNC to lose and consider themselves a UNC fan? I could NEVER root for UNC to lose in any sport much less in basketball. I don't think I have been shy discussing what I see as short comings from Hubert, the standard for UNC is to high for me not to. I said a couple weeks ago, that I want to wait to the end of this season, till the final game has been played and then assess if I think it is time to move on from Hubert, it may surprise many but I am inclined slightly to see him stay for 1 more but in no way married to that. I am 100% against making a move until the very last game we will play this season, that much to me should be in stone.

 

[gteeitup]

I'm not sure what your hoping to find but with the constantly changing line ups and general lack of direction on both O&D, anything resembling consistent improvement might be hard to find. jmo .. let me know if you do.

more about how it happened and if those things are still happening…what i saw vs stanford i don’t recall seeing that vs kansas, for sure…i do recall thinking how big a foul call on ec in that mich st game, but don’t recall how big a momentum shift it had…at those points early in the season i was probably hoping it was just about “big moments” and not being able to push through.

lol not that it will change my outlook, however.

 

[1heel4life]

If you recall during the initial interviews after accepting the HC job, he talked a lot about doing it his way (not sure what way that is since he was never a HC but perhaps now we see) so he couldn't do that with Steve on the staff. Perhaps Lebo just falls in line to show loyalty to him. I actually believe Jeff Lebo would be an awesome HC for us. He's a pretty good X's and O's guy. I know I'm in the minority on that.

You sure are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TarHeelFanWV]

Hubert says all the right things but can't get his players to do it.. not sure if that's on him or them. If the NIL is finally paying up, we gotta give Hubert 1 more year.. if next year isn't it, he's gotta go.

Next years team has a chance to be one of the great teams in recent years. Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good portal center. Everyone will play their true position.

 

[NorCalTarheel]

Hubert says all the right things but can't get his players to do it.. not sure if that's on him or them. If the NIL is finally paying up, we gotta give Hubert 1 more year.. if next year isn't it, he's gotta go.

Next years team has a chance to be one of the great teams in recent years. Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good portal center. Everyone will play their true position.

That is my hope as well but there are an awful lot of stops between here and there. We got to get Drake to stay. Heck we got to get EC and Seth to stay. We know how easy it is to find a quality five that fits our system in the portal, so that's not a given.


Fingers crossed that Carolina basketball returns to the standard that we all recognize for it.

 

[alabamaheel]

Hubert says all the right things but can't get his players to do it.. not sure if that's on him or them. If the NIL is finally paying up, we gotta give Hubert 1 more year.. if next year isn't it, he's gotta go.

Next years team has a chance to be one of the great teams in recent years. Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good portal center. Everyone will play their true position.

I hate that Im being pessimistic but I don't think that five gets it done either, and I definitely wouldn’t label them as great even in recent years. I want to believe hd can get it done. He’s had some good players from the portal. I just believe it’s gonna take better talent than what we will have. Doesn’t matter where they play if true position or not. IMO there’s been too much smoke blown about pg1s and positions and not enough facts about the lack of talent and just not getting it done.

 

[heels05champs]

Hubert says all the right things but can't get his players to do it.. not sure if that's on him or them. If the NIL is finally paying up, we gotta give Hubert 1 more year.. if next year isn't it, he's gotta go.

Next years team has a chance to be one of the great teams in recent years. Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good portal center. Everyone will play their true position.

I still think you’d have to grab a knock down perimeter shooter. That lineup has inconsistent shooters in the backcourt and yet again a small backcourt. I think a good center and good shooting guard/wing would be critical.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Hubert says all the right things but can't get his players to do it.. not sure if that's on him or them. If the NIL is finally paying up, we gotta give Hubert 1 more year.. if next year isn't it, he's gotta go.

Next years team has a chance to be one of the great teams in recent years. Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good portal center. Everyone will play their true position.

Next might be great, but my concern isnt year its the next year, and just because it looks good on paper don't mean he can lead it. Remember we started #1 on the cover of Sports Illustrated, only to miss the tournament and decline the NIT.

He can't coach he's proven that all we are doing by giving him another year is setting us back by 3 more years.

 

[bleeduncblue]

Next might be great, but my concern isnt year its the next year, and just because it looks good on paper don't mean he can lead it. Remember we started #1 on the cover of Sports Illustrated, only to miss the tournament and decline the NIT.

He can't coach he's proven that all we are doing by giving him another year is setting us back by 3 more years.

That's my position. He's proven he can recruit ... so could John Bunting.

 

[DSouthr]

I hate that Im being pessimistic but I don't think that five gets it done either, and I definitely wouldn’t label them as great even in recent years. I want to believe hd can get it done. He’s had some good players from the portal. I just believe it’s gonna take better talent than what we will have. Doesn’t matter where they play if true position or not. IMO there’s been too much smoke blown about pg1s and positions and not enough facts about the lack of talent and just not getting it done.

For me, Wilson is a game changer when I look at next season, he is length with constant movement with some crazy skills for a guy his size. His only area of weakness right now is his outside shooting but even that is trending upward.

May take some work but I think Hubert can bring back EC, Seth, JWash, Lubin, Tyson, and Drake. Add to that, looks like we have a great shot at getting High back, a soph bounce for James Brown should be considered and we have a couple other freshmen coming in that are shooting combos (2 guards IMO) that can help us as Cadeau back ups if needed, along with Seth. I would go out and find a 7ft 250lbs physical center from the portal that plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulders (lets say a center Rick Barnes would love to have) LOL.

The 2guys that after all the smoke clears may be the hardest to not lose to the portal in my view may be Luibin and Tyson. Tyson just seems over his head, may be best for him to go back to a smaller Belmont like program. Lubin, like him, plays as hard as he can but he doesn't really fit the 5 spot for us and as a 4 he would be behind at least JWash and Wilson, yeah, I know, Hubert can't see JWash as anything but a 5 and I think that is a mistake. But you also have High, who could become a really nice surprise if he adds some muscle to that frame that so badly needed it. And I do expect a good bump for James Brown, I see a player in him that I am not sure he even realizes is there. Of course he needs to add a LOT of weight, kid needs to find 230-240lbs like tomorrow but those long lanky guys just really struggle to add weight so we will have to see, he does need to add a couple scoring moves, not sure I see one right now.

There are the makings of a really good team in there, a team not has handicapped by length as we are now. They may not be seen as a big time jump shooting team but we are seen as one now and we are not jump shooting worth a darn. Dixon, in a recent game went 8-10 from trey, think maybe he can jump shoot some? The guy I think could take a HUGE step up as a scorer is Drake Powell.

 

[sctarheel30]

For me, Wilson is a game changer when I look at next season, he is length with constant movement with some crazy skills for a guy his size. His only area of weakness right now is his outside shooting but even that is trending upward.

May take some work but I think Hubert can bring back EC, Seth, JWash, Lubin, Tyson, and Drake. Add to that, looks like we have a great shot at getting High back, a soph bounce for James Brown should be considered and we have a couple other freshmen coming in that are shooting combos (2 guards IMO) that can help us as Cadeau back ups if needed, along with Seth. I would go out and find a 7ft 250lbs physical center from the portal that plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulders (lets say a center Rick Barnes would love to have) LOL.

The 2guys that after all the smoke clears may be the hardest to not lose to the portal in my view may be Luibin and Tyson. Tyson just seems over his head, may be best for him to go back to a smaller Belmont like program. Lubin, like him, plays as hard as he can but he doesn't really fit the 5 spot for us and as a 4 he would be behind at least JWash and Wilson, yeah, I know, Hubert can't see JWash as anything but a 5 and I think that is a mistake. But you also have High, who could become a really nice surprise if he adds some muscle to that frame that so badly needed it. And I do expect a good bump for James Brown, I see a player in him that I am not sure he even realizes is there. Of course he needs to add a LOT of weight, kid needs to find 230-240lbs like tomorrow but those long lanky guys just really struggle to add weight so we will have to see, he does need to add a couple scoring moves, not sure I see one right now.

There are the makings of a really good team in there, a team not has handicapped by length as we are now. They may not be seen as a big time jump shooting team but we are seen as one now and we are not jump shooting worth a darn. Dixon, in a recent game went 8-10 from trey, think maybe he can jump shoot some? The guy I think could take a HUGE step up as a scorer is Drake Powell.

So if Wilson’s shorts trending upwards I’m sure it will decline massively when he gets here seems to be the norm. With bringing back the guys you mentioned doesn’t really move the needle for me. So without some major home runs from the portal I don’t see much changing next year. As for the class of 2025 doesn’t seem we have much left to hope for there either. Maybe I’m wrong but I believe it will take is a couple of studs for the middle to let others play their “natural” positions.

 

[sctarheel30]

Just read an article that said Hubert turned away a potential big man from the portal last year that would’ve helped tremendously who would that be? We don’t need to turn down anyone. If so I can only imagine it was because of the lack of nil idk.

 

[DSouthr]

I still think you’d have to grab a knock down perimeter shooter. That lineup has inconsistent shooters in the backcourt and yet again a small backcourt. I think a good center and good shooting guard/wing would be critical.

I agree to an extent about our needing a knock down shooter but there are 2 things I would have to know first, first can and will Drake become a more consistent scorer for us, I not just think he can but it would be my expectation for him as a soph. From the looks of things, I do expect him back BTW, he should be able to play his natural position at the 3 (I feel like the kid is a natural 3/2).

The other thing is Dixon and Denis are serious players and they can shoot the ball, they could be the shooters you are looking for and they can help when Cadeau sits. Don't forget that Seth's jump shooting has not just improved but is allowing him that step to dive with, he can and has been this season creating his own shots. Until get a feel for Dixon and Denis ability to jump shoot I am not certain that we need a portal in shooter, I maybe save the $$$ and bring in a bruise brothers like center and get my in the paint physicality cranked back up.

 

[DSouthr]

So if Wilson’s shorts trending upwards I’m sure it will decline massively when he gets here seems to be the norm. With bringing back the guys you mentioned doesn’t really move the needle for me. So without some major home runs from the portal I don’t see much changing next year. As for the class of 2025 doesn’t seem we have much left to hope for there either. Maybe I’m wrong and ballot would take is a couple of studs for the middle to let others play their “natural” positions.

When I talk about his shooting is trending up, realize, I am talk about shooting from distance, treys, his mid range is really strong now. Shooting from a distance was a negative for BOTH Drake and Jack going in to their senior high school seasons, especially Drake's. But we see them now and few seem to complain about them as shooters? They have progressed pretty darn well and that began going into their senior high school seasons. Wilson's form is not bad, just a part of his game he didn't have to work on until now.

 

[NathanFielder]

I want a different group of players here next season. It's going to happen organically once RJ is out of eligibility and Ian declares for the NBA draft. But I don't want this to be a "run it back" situation. I understand running it back after making the National Championship game because, you know.... They made the National Championship game!

A similar question was brought up on this board in 2023 whether you would want Caleb Love and RJ Davis coming back together after the disastrous season they just had. I was really surprised with how many people wanted Caleb Love back. So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that people want guys back from this team that will be eligible to return. I don't see it that way.

This team needs to upgrade at multiple positions. Especially if they're not going to upgrade on the sidelines in the offseason.

 

[Oak ridger]

I want a different group of players here next season. It's going to happen organically once RJ is out of eligibility and Ian declares for the NBA draft. But I don't want this to be a "run it back" situation. I understand running it back after making the National Championship game because, you know.... They made the National Championship game!

A similar question was brought up on this board in 2023 whether you would want Caleb Love and RJ Davis coming back together after the disastrous season they just had. I was really surprised with how many people wanted Caleb Love back. So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that people want guys back from this team that will be eligible to return. I don't see it that way.

This team needs to upgrade at multiple positions. Especially if they're not going to upgrade on the sidelines in the offseason.

I would rather have a coach change if not Davis then all his assistants except for Paige. Make Paige his GM of Men's Basketball.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

I want a different group of players here next season. It's going to happen organically once RJ is out of eligibility and Ian declares for the NBA draft. But I don't want this to be a "run it back" situation. I understand running it back after making the National Championship game because, you know.... They made the National Championship game!

A similar question was brought up on this board in 2023 whether you would want Caleb Love and RJ Davis coming back together after the disastrous season they just had. I was really surprised with how many people wanted Caleb Love back. So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that people want guys back from this team that will be eligible to return. I don't see it that way.

This team needs to upgrade at multiple positions. Especially if they're not going to upgrade on the sidelines in the offseason.

correct. we need new blood starting at the top with Hubert, and then we need to revamp our roster. the current roster we have has shown that, at best, they are a still double digit loss group, and not a group that can get it done consistently on both sides of the floor, regardless of competition we are facing.

 

[alabamaheel]

For me, Wilson is a game changer when I look at next season, he is length with constant movement with some crazy skills for a guy his size. His only area of weakness right now is his outside shooting but even that is trending upward.

May take some work but I think Hubert can bring back EC, Seth, JWash, Lubin, Tyson, and Drake. Add to that, looks like we have a great shot at getting High back, a soph bounce for James Brown should be considered and we have a couple other freshmen coming in that are shooting combos (2 guards IMO) that can help us as Cadeau back ups if needed, along with Seth. I would go out and find a 7ft 250lbs physical center from the portal that plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulders (lets say a center Rick Barnes would love to have) LOL.

The 2guys that after all the smoke clears may be the hardest to not lose to the portal in my view may be Luibin and Tyson. Tyson just seems over his head, may be best for him to go back to a smaller Belmont like program. Lubin, like him, plays as hard as he can but he doesn't really fit the 5 spot for us and as a 4 he would be behind at least JWash and Wilson, yeah, I know, Hubert can't see JWash as anything but a 5 and I think that is a mistake. But you also have High, who could become a really nice surprise if he adds some muscle to that frame that so badly needed it. And I do expect a good bump for James Brown, I see a player in him that I am not sure he even realizes is there. Of course he needs to add a LOT of weight, kid needs to find 230-240lbs like tomorrow but those long lanky guys just really struggle to add weight so we will have to see, he does need to add a couple scoring moves, not sure I see one right now.

There are the makings of a really good team in there, a team not has handicapped by length as we are now. They may not be seen as a big time jump shooting team but we are seen as one now and we are not jump shooting worth a darn. Dixon, in a recent game went 8-10 from trey, think maybe he can jump shoot some? The guy I think could take a HUGE step up as a scorer is Drake Powell.

I agree with a lot of that for sure. I also think we just needed a good center for this year and it would have made all the difference in the world. Hd will be due a good player or two from the portal. Can’t miss and or hit every year, and I know that. Not having a good big hurt our guards imo. The few and I mean few games where our bigs were decent, it opened up some for the perimeter guys with less stress. Imagine of having a big that had to be doubled. Also imagine if Tyson could hit the rim in games lol. Same with platek, he can shoot it in practice, he needs more burn for confidence blah blah blah. If kids are that soft, we shouldn’t want tit babies anyway. I actually do think Tyson can play but for some reason hasn’t put it together. I agree with drake too. I just don’t see him staying. NBA looks at potential and he’s got it. He and Ian are gone imo and I hate it for UNC but good for them.

 

[sctarheel30]

When I talk about his shooting is trending up, realize, I am talk about shooting from distance, treys, his mid range is really strong now. Shooting from a distance was a negative for BOTH Drake and Jack going in to their senior high school seasons, especially Drake's. But we see them now and few seem to complain about them as shooters? They have progressed pretty darn well and that began going into their senior high school seasons. Wilson's form is not bad, just a part of his game he didn't have to work on until now.

Understand I had read somewhere too that his shot is very much a work in progress

 

[TarHeelFanWV]

If you can't be a top 10 team with Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good center then you don't deserve to be the coach. That is literally three 5 stars and a 4 star in your starting lineup (the center we get may be a former 4 or 5 star too). I understand we need a good shooter or wing, and we may very well get that too (6th man). But I'm just talking starting lineup.

 

[RP12]

The idea that next year's roster could be special is a better argument to change HC than to keep Hubert. Looks at last year's roster. Or the year before. Same argument and wasted opportunities.

 

[Archer2]

For me, Wilson is a game changer when I look at next season, he is length with constant movement with some crazy skills for a guy his size. His only area of weakness right now is his outside shooting but even that is trending upward.

May take some work but I think Hubert can bring back EC, Seth, JWash, Lubin, Tyson, and Drake. Add to that, looks like we have a great shot at getting High back, a soph bounce for James Brown should be considered and we have a couple other freshmen coming in that are shooting combos (2 guards IMO) that can help us as Cadeau back ups if needed, along with Seth. I would go out and find a 7ft 250lbs physical center from the portal that plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulders (lets say a center Rick Barnes would love to have) LOL.

The 2guys that after all the smoke clears may be the hardest to not lose to the portal in my view may be Luibin and Tyson. Tyson just seems over his head, may be best for him to go back to a smaller Belmont like program. Lubin, like him, plays as hard as he can but he doesn't really fit the 5 spot for us and as a 4 he would be behind at least JWash and Wilson, yeah, I know, Hubert can't see JWash as anything but a 5 and I think that is a mistake. But you also have High, who could become a really nice surprise if he adds some muscle to that frame that so badly needed it. And I do expect a good bump for James Brown, I see a player in him that I am not sure he even realizes is there. Of course he needs to add a LOT of weight, kid needs to find 230-240lbs like tomorrow but those long lanky guys just really struggle to add weight so we will have to see, he does need to add a couple scoring moves, not sure I see one right now.

There are the makings of a really good team in there, a team not has handicapped by length as we are now. They may not be seen as a big time jump shooting team but we are seen as one now and we are not jump shooting worth a darn. Dixon, in a recent game went 8-10 from trey, think maybe he can jump shoot some? The guy I think could take a HUGE step up as a scorer is Drake Powell.

Let's only hope. But if JWash adds 230-240 pounds, I don't think those knees can take it.

; ^ )

 

[GoNtheDistance]

If you can't be a top 10 team with Cadeau-Trimble-Powell-Wilson-Good center then you don't deserve to be the coach. That is literally three 5 stars and a 4 star in your starting lineup (the center we get may be a former 4 or 5 star too). I understand we need a good shooter or wing, and we may very well get that too (6th man). But I'm just talking starting lineup.

he’s already shown he can’t win with that level of talent.

 

[DSouthr]

Let's only hope. But if JWash adds 230-240 pounds, I don't think those knees can take it.

; ^ )

Being honest as I can be, I am questioning JWash's heart and passion for the game. Kid has, in my opinion NBA level raw talent but a raw egg makes a awful omlet. I seen plenty of people in weight rooms all my life but only a very few are really putting in that intense hard work required to build muscle mass, which is what Jalen needs. Jalen by nature is a passive guy yet I have seen passive guys rip players to shreds on the court, have seen passive guys put in amazing work in the weight room. It takes huge dedication in the weight room to add that bulk Jalen needs, Bacot was not close to the physical specimen he was when he left UNC as a freshman. Greatness in any sport is a direct result of how much passion you have and how much consistent work you are willing to invest.

I see Jalen as very talented but SOFT, I don't mean that as an insult to the kid, he is a wonderful kid, one any parent would be proud of but he shys away from the physical and embraces the finesse, he limits himself by thinking he has boundaries that he can not exceed, great players do not limit themselves, they dedicate each minute to each day to getting better, if I am not better today than I was yesterday then I failed, do I allow failure to define me?

 

[notashelbyfan]

I just picked up my Tar Heel twelve pack for tonight's game, that's the only way I can watch them these days.