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UNC Basketball: 5 questions facing the 2018-19 Tar Heels

By Lukas Harkins

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 17: Williams the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels gives instructions. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 17: Williams the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels gives instructions. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Can the defense catch the offense?

During this past season, UNC basketball was one of the best offensive teams in the country. With the elite trio of Maye, Berry, and Cameron Johnson leading the way, the Tar Heels were incredibly difficult to stop when on their game. Additionally, their depth made it nearly impossible to slow down UNC because they could dominate the second units of their opponents. According to KenPom, North Carolina ranked sixth in the nation last season in adjusted offensive efficiency.

Heading into 2018-19, the Tar Heels project once again as an excellent offensive team. Both Maye and Johnson are back this season and the incoming freshman, most notably Nassir Little, should contribute on the offensive end of the court. With this being said, can UNC’s defensive output match that of their offense? This might be a tall order to ask considering North Carolina’s potential offensive rating but it is still worth investigating.

Although the Tar Heels’ defense was still quite strong last season (38th in AdjD), an improvement on that end of the floor will help the team push towards their end goal. Year after year, North Carolina’s goal is not to finish in the top-10 but it is to be crowned national champions. For reference, here is a look at the adjusted defensive efficiency ratings for each of the past five champions:

  • 2017-18 Villanova: 94.0 (11th overall)
  • 2016-17 North Carolina: 92.5 (11th overall)
  • 2015-16 Villanova: 90.8 (5th overall)
  • 2014-15 Duke: 92.0 (11th overall)
  • 2013-14 UConn: 91.5 (10th overall)
  • 10-year average ranking: 9.4 overall

So, given this and the idea that North Carolina’s end goal is to win the title, an improvement defensively from last year to this one is important. There is a clear trend between sound defensive teams and national champions in recent years so UNC’s defense catching its offense could improve the team’s ceiling.

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