NCAA Basketball: Auburn, Gonzaga, Ohio State rise in latest top 25 power rankings

12. North Carolina (1-1)

There’s been something of a roller coaster in Chapel Hill in recent years, though the Tar Heels are hoping this season is the furthest thing from a rocky ride. A Final Four team just three seasons ago, North Carolina showed their promise and potential last season by winning the ACC before falling short in the Big Dance. With All-American RJ Davis back for one final season, they’re hoping that this season is another one to remember.

It wasn’t exactly the most memorable opening week, starting on opening night with a 90-76 win against Elon. Davis had 24 points and North Carolina won by double digits, but the Phoenix stayed in this game until nearly the end. Fortunately, the Tar Heels put together a better performance on Friday night even in a 92-89 loss at Kansas. North Carolina fell behind big but clawed back into the game in a hostile road environment, getting 19 points from Seth Trimble in defeat.

There are a number of ways to look at the Tar Heels’ first two games, and we’re feeling somewhere in the middle about this team. It’s obvious that North Carolina is still figuring things out, especially replacing Armando Bacot in the offseason. They do have it relatively easy in the next few weeks as they work out these rotations, as a home date against American awaits them in a few days.