Hubert Davis often points to 3 keys for UNC basketball. The Tar Heels aren’t checking the boxes

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UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis is sticking with his points of emphasis as it relates to the Tar Heels becoming the best version of themselves.

“I say it every day. And actually, before the (Cal) game, I said, ‘I’m not wavering, I’m not moving.’ My message is consistent with them,” Davis said Jan. 15 after the Tar Heels’ 26-point win against Cal at the Smith Center.

“I am desperate — and these are the exact words that I said to them — I desperately want them to see and experience what this team would look like if we fully commit to becoming the best defensive team, rebounding team, and taking care of the basketball. And I’ve said that since the team has gotten together, and I will say that for the remainder of the year.”

STATS THAT STOOD OUT: What Hubert Davis said led to UNC basketball’s loss at Wake Forest, with stats to back it up

Through 20 games, UNC (12-8, 5-3 ACC) hasn’t been able to consistently check those boxes. The Tar Heels followed that win against the Golden Bears with consecutive one-point losses to Stanford and Wake Forest. The Heels haven’t lost back-to-back games by a single point since 1968.

UNC has matched its loss total from last season and is in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. There are 12 games remaining in the regular season, including an upcoming four-game stretch following Saturday’s game against Boston College that could ultimately determine the Tar Heels’ fate for March Madness.

Here’s a breakdown of how UNC has performed in the three areas consistently emphasized by Hubert Davis.

UNC isn’t rebounding like past UNC teams

A staple of Carolina basketball has been its ability to dominate on the glass, whether it’s ending defensive possessions with a rebound or creating extra opportunities with offensive boards. The Tar Heels have averaged more than 40 rebounds per game in 16 of the last 20 seasons, including nine of the last 10.

So far, UNC is averaging 37.9 rebounds per game, including…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/hubert-davis-often-points-3-090404969.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2025-01-23 09:04:00

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