Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, North Carolina carries both promise and question marks, and their final tune-up before the regular season — an exhibition against Winston-Salem State — spotlighted both a little bit more. After watching their game against BYU and WSSU, these are the factors that I will have my eye on this season, including some of the positives from their game, what to keep an eye on, and my concerns for the season.
Positive Takeaways for North Carolina
Caleb Wilson continues to look like a Top 10 lock for NBA Draft
Wilson continues to flourish and prove why he was not only a Top-10 prospect coming in as a freshman, but why also many are looking at him as a premier draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. After an impressive showing against BYU with his scoring, versatility, explosiveness, and impact in so many areas, he backed that up once again against Winston-Salem State. Even against an inferior opponent, Wilson is able to flourish with his ability to attack the lane, get to the basket, score from multiple levels, and be a presence in so many areas. The only factor in his game that I would like to see improve early on is his three-point shooting.
Seth Trimble brings true value as a veteran
Trimble is going to be a big part of North Carolina’s success, not just for his ability to score, embrace contact, and attack the basket, but also for his leadership and being veteran on the court. When watching Trimble play, he looks like he is embracing being that guy, not forcing too much as a scorer, taking what is given, helping control the pace, making good decisions, and playing within the offense with his game. That calm demeanor will come in quite handy throughout the season, especially in key situations against premier teams.
Derek Dixon’s surprising early start with his overall play
I’ve been quite surprised with Dixon’s play early on, and it seems that Coach Davis has trust in the young point guard. Against BYU, he played 17 minutes and finished with 7 points. Against WSSU, Dixon received double-digit minutes and was able to show his ability to run the offense, get others involved, and be a presence offensively at times. Dixon impressed back in high school with his unselfishness, along with his ability to show patience, and he is bringing that early on to the Tar Heels as a freshman. I believe he will only get better, which will be huge for UNC down the road.
Keep an Eye on More
Jarin Stevenson and Jonathan Powell continue to trend upward
I believe these two players are going to be big for the Tar Heels if they want to prove to be true title contenders. Stevenson started out slow early on, but started to get it going in the second half, using his size, shot-making ability, and bringing an impact on the glass as well. Stevenson’s mobility and shot-making will be huge in opening up the offense for UNC, especially with his experience. Same could go for Powell, though I believe he is slightly under Stevenson when it comes to pressure. Powell is another who can really open up this offense but also his length can be impactful for the Tar Heels. If those two can bring consistency on the court, continue to earn strong double-digit minutes, and help produce offensively, it is going to go A LONG way for UNC this season.
Concerns to Watch for this Season
Bench and Depth
Though many players got into the action against Winston-Salem State, I’m still highly interested in seeing what this bench could provide. In the past, Coach Davis has really stuck with his guys for much of the season:
2024-25: Four players over 25 minutes per game
2023-24: Four players over 30 minutes per game
2022-23: Five players over 30 minutes per game
2021-22: Five players over 29 minutes per game
Against BYU, four players played over 32 minutes each in what was a highly intense exhibition game. Again, this is the area that I have a bit of concern but this is also a team that does have good options to choose from; they just have to perform and step up. In the first half, I feel like we got a better look at the rotation as North Carolina only had 8 bench points. Coming off the bench, Jonathan Powell, Derek Dixon, and Jaydon Young need to step up and find ways to produce off the bench and score. You also can add James Brown, Zayden High, and Isaiah Denis to that mix, as they continue to develop and look to make their presence felt.
However, Coach Davis and the staff need to find ways to get minutes and production from their bench, give their players a bit of rest with the long season, and build the confidence and continuity of this team. Powell, Dixon, and Young will be the main three early on that have to find ways to help this team and come off the bench to produce offensively.