13. North Carolina (9-1)
At their best, North Carolina has a talented roster that can hang with top teams, as evident in that recent road win at Kentucky among other efforts. At their worst, the Tar Heels do have their share of struggles, especially on defense, and fell out of that game against Michigan State back on Thanksgiving. Which version of the Tar Heels will we get on a regular basis in this important season?
This week was about the good, going way back to last Sunday’s 81-61 win over Georgetown. You couldn’t have asked for much more from the Tar Heels on offense, getting 20 points and 14 rebounds from Caleb Wilson and an 18-point, 15-rebound effort from Henri Veesaar. Saturday was a closer call, but North Carolina still persevered 80-62 against South Carolina Upstate. Wilson starred again with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
The Tar Heels shook off a slow start this weekend and got their ninth win and are sitting in a good position all things considered. Hubert Davis needs a strong season in Chapel Hill and the first few weeks of this one have been about as acceptable as you’d expect, with the additions in Veesaar and Wilson really blossoming in front of our eyes. After a midweek battle with East Tennessee State, the Tar Heels have an exciting matchup with Ohio State next weekend and another chance to prove something.