NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Duke, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
10. North Carolina (3-1)
What exactly will transpire this season for the Tar Heels isn’t yet clear, though the season is starting in a decent position. North Carolina had a few major changes in the offseason, but the return of RJ Davis will certainly keep this squad in contention this season. They are fighters, clawing back from a deep deficit against Kansas a few weeks ago in a tough loss, though this team still hunts for that first marquee opportunity.
The Tar Heels left town late last week, beginning an extended trip with a road game at Hawaii before the Maui Invitational. While North Carolina certainly didn’t dominate, they played really well in an 87-69 decision for their first road victory of the season. Davis had 18 points while Elliot Cadeau added 17 points in the win.
This team has been playing better as the season has progressed, and it’s hard to really know what to expect after just three weeks. They clearly miss Armando Bacot and are still making adjustments in the frontcourt, but they also have the talent, especially on offense, to hang with anyone in the country. That theory will be tested next week as they play in the Maui Invitational, starting with Dayton and then potential dates with ranked foes ahead.