โ๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ โ๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ: โ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ค ๐๐๐ ๐โโ โ๐๐๐ช๐๐ฃ โ๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ค โ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. โ As the Tar Heels gear up for what promises to be a pivotal 2025โ26 basketball season, UNCโs coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, is making noise on both the recruiting trail and in player development.
In this coast-to-coast recruiting and player progress roundup, the momentum in Chapel Hill is palpable, driven by a laser-focused staff, rising star talent, and a group of returning players showing impressive offseason gains.
๐ฅ Recruiting Roundup: Tar Heels Cast a Wide Net
UNCโs 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most versatile in recent memory. The Heels have secured three Top-50 commitments and are in strong contention for a fourth: 5-star guard Malachi Barnes, who recently visited campus and called the Dean Dome โsacred ground.โ
Among the committed:
Noah Darnell (SF, CA) โ A 6โ8โ slasher from Sierra Canyon, Darnell turned heads at the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 22.5 PPG and showing elite defensive versatility. Assistant Coach Sean May said Darnell โreminds us of a young Danny Green but with more bounce.โ
Tariq Sullivan (PG, NJ) โ Clocking in at 6โ2โ with elite handles and court vision, Sullivan is being touted as the next great Carolina floor general. A gym rat with a 4.3 GPA, he’s also the kind of leader Davis prioritizes.
Isaiah Graham (PF, NC) โ A local product with raw power and finesse, Graham is already drawing comparisons to Tyler Hansbrough for his motor and fearlessness in the paint.
Coach Davis emphasized that this class isnโt just about stars. โWeโre targeting program guysโplayers who buy into our culture, work ethic, and tradition.โ
๐ Progress Report: Returners Leveling Up
The return of Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble, and Zayden High gives UNC a dynamic returning core. Player development coach Jackie Manuel reported โeye-popping gainsโ in the teamโs strength and agility metrics this summer.
Cadeau, who wowed fans with his floor vision last season, has added 12 pounds of muscle and improved his 3-point percentage in scrimmages from 31% to 41%.
Trimble is embracing the combo guard role, now confidently running the offense when Cadeau sits and averaging 16.7 PPG in closed-team practices.
Jalen Washington has added a consistent midrange jumper, positioning him as a stretch-five weapon for Carolinaโs pick-and-pop sets.
Behind the scenes, UNCโs analytics department has worked with players to refine shot selection and transition spacing, making this yearโs squad faster and more efficient.
๐ Coast-to-Coast Strategy
Hubert Davis and his staff have emphasized nationwide recruiting more than ever, targeting players in California, Texas, Illinois, and Georgia. โWeโre not just trying to win in the ACC,โ said Davis. โWeโre trying to win in Marchโand that means getting the best from every corner of the country.โ
๐ฃ The Verdict
With a top-5 recruiting class incoming, core veterans making real strides, and a rejuvenated commitment to up-tempo basketball, UNC appears poised for a return to national prominence. If summer progress translates to in-season success, donโt be surprised if the Tar Heels are back in the Final Four conversation by March.
Tar Heel Nationโget ready. The powder blue is heating up.
