UNC Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 11: Ramses, the mascot for the North Carolina Tar Heels, cheers before a game against the Clemson Tigers on January 11, 2020 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 76-79 in overtime. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /

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UNC Basketball R.J. Davis Caleb Love (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

3 key questions for the Tar Heels in 2021-22

1. Can Caleb Love and RJ Davis limit turnovers and become more efficient shooters?

As mentioned in their individual previews, both Love and Davis were two of the least efficient players in the entire ACC last season. They also both ranked in the bottom 10 in turnover percentage. As the two lead guards in Hubert Davis’ modernized system revolving around spacing and guard play, their individual leaps will be directly tied to UNC’s ceiling as a team.

2. How much of Roy Williams’ system will Hubert Davis keep?

Although the offensive scheme will be shifted dramatically, it will be interesting to see if Davis tinkers with any other aspects of Roy’s system (much of which was learned from Dean Smith). The up-tempo style, certain set plays, half-court trapping out of timeouts and even the seeming inability to call a timeout when the other team goes on a run.

3. How quickly will the team and the new coaching staff mesh?

With five new players and a new coaching staff, it would make sense for this UNC team to be one that peaks late in the season. With their non-conference schedule and the importance of those games placed on seeding by the Selection Committee, the Heels won’t have the luxury of trying to start slow and built towards March. Their ability to mesh right away in order to avoid non-conference upsets and compete with teams like Michigan, UCLA and Purdue will be a major storyline to keep an eye on.

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