Where North Carolina’s Backcourt Stacks Up Among Top ACC Teams

The North Carolina Tar Heels completely revamped their roster, with the majority of last season’s personnel departing the program this offseason.

Upon arrival, head coach Michael Malone has established himself as a legitimate recruiter, as multiple players cited him as a major influence in their decision to take their talents to Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels flipped their identity, emphasizing the importance of establishing a versatile backcourt. With that in mind, here is where North Carolina’s backcourt ranks in the ACC.

Advertisement

1. Duke

Jan 6, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer talks with Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) and guard Caleb Foster (1) during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This will be a common theme for the Blue Devils in 2026. They will be viewed as the best in several categories, including coaching and roster, and could be ranked the No. 1 team in the country entering the upcoming season. Duke has no weaknesses on paper, and this backcourt is truly elite.

Not only did the Blue Devils retain Cayden Boozer and Caleb Foster, but they landed 5-star guard Deron Rippey Jr. and signed Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell. Foster has always been a steady asset in the backcourt, and Boozer took a major leap when the veteran guard suffered a foot injury against North Carolina. In the five games without Foster, Boozer averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Meanwhile, Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/where-north-carolinas-backcourt-stacks-110007306.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-08-15 11:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.