Where does UNC basketball land in these NCAA Tournament projections?

Just six months from the start of college basketball season, rosters are starting to finalize here in the middle of spring.

UNC returns just one starter from last year, Jarin Stevenson, who finally gets his moment to shine in Senior Year. Terrence Brown is North Carolina’s most high-profile addition, while international center Sayon Keita brings plenty of promise in the paint.

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How will the Tar Heels’s 2026-27 season play out? In Andy Katz’ first 76-team NCAA Tournament prediction, UNC lands a 9-seed in San Antonio’s South Region.

Katz has North Carolina facing 8-seed Ohio State, a program hoping to make its second straight big dance. The Buckeyes gave TCU a run for their money last March, but lost a 66-64 heartbreaker.

The Tar Heels made their third-consecutive NCAA Tournament in March, but failed to win a Round of 64 game for the second straight season. UNC blew a 19-point lead to VCU, which ultimately led to Hubert Davis’ firing.

Michael Malone is entering his first season as a collegiate head coach, but brings a history of NBA Playoff success with him, highlighted by the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 NBA Championship. With how increasingly professionalized college basketball is becoming, Malone’s pro background coaching will translate well to Chapel Hill.

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North Carolina’s roster isn’t finalized yet, plus schedules are still in the works. Tar Heel Nation carries championship expectations every season, with hopes Malone can turn those into a reality.

Will UNC make its fourth-consecutive NCAA Tournament next March? If so, can that appearance turn into a deep, successful run?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC picked to earn 9-seed, play Ohio State in Andy Katz’ projections

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/where-does-unc-basketball-land-000026368.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-09 00:00:00

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