Top Concerns for UNC Basketball Emerging From Exhibition Games

Of all the programs in college basketball, the North Carolina Tar Heels face some of the most questions heading into the season.

With Michael Malone entering his first year as head coach and 11 newcomers on the roster, the Tar Heels have plenty to navigate before the regular season. This offseason has provided some answers while adding to the doubts many already had about specific areas of the team. North Carolina has played in two exhibition games, defeating USC and losing to Indiana. That said, here are the top concerns from those games.

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Terrence Brown’s Ineffectiveness

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Terrence Brown (1) goes up for a basket Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, during the first half of an exhibition game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Landing Brown was a crucial move for North Carolina. Signing the former Utah guard, who averaged 19.9 points per game last season, was instrumental in the team’s construction.

Brown’s scoring pedigree was supposed to translate immediately to North Carolina. Through two exhibition games, that hasn’t been the case. That doesn’t mean Brown won’t eventually develop into a potent scorer for the Tar Heels, but his lack of production has been lackluster. Across those outings, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard has totaled 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds while shooting 5-of-14 from the field.

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The most concerning aspect of his performances has been his inability to finish around the rim. In 2025, Brown shot 32.7 percent from three-point range, so his ability to score in the paint is pivotal. Brown can improve as a shooter, but if he fails to score from the perimeter, his ceiling lowers significantly.

Struggles on the Boards

Oct 18, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Aiden Sherrell (22) rebounds the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels center Sayon Keita (21) during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN…

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Publish date : 2026-10-23 13:00:00

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