UNC basketball climbs a couple spots in December 8 AP Poll

The UNC basketball team is right back where it belongs: in the win column. After losing a tough game to Michigan State on Thanksgiving Day, the Tar Heels responded with consecutive victories against Kentucky and Georgetown.

As North Carolina gets closer to ACC play later this month, one thing becomes increasingly clear: this 2025-26 roster can contend for a championship.

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UNC still has a few non-conference games left and nearly three months of conference matchups, but early signs are promsing for future success. In the December 8 AP Poll, the Tar Heels rose two spots, climbing from 16th to 14th.

North Carolina (8-1) is ranked one spot ahead of undefeated Vanderbilt, plus a spot behind Illinois. UNC doesn’t play either of its poll neighbors this season, but with how all three are playing, a future NCAA Tournament matchup is a strong possibility.

The Tar Heels revamped their roster big-time this offseason, highlighted by increased positional size that’s having a sizable effect on their wins. Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar are the best post duo in college basketball, Jarin Stevenson brings a rare combination of height, defense and perimeter shooting ability, while Derek Dixon is emerging as North Carolina’s point guard of the future.

Perimeter shooting is still a work in progress for UNC, but consecutive games over 30 percent is a step in the right direction. Hubert Davis is still trying to discover his team’s best rotations, which will change once again once Seth Trimble returns from injury.

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The Tar Heels stay at home Saturday, hosting USC Upstate in a home-heavy December slate. ETSU comes to the Dean Dome on December 16, before North Carolina heads to Atlanta for a neutral-site clash with Ohio State.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball climbs two spots to 14th in…

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Publish date : 2025-12-09 03:36:00

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