This is not what North Carolina Tar Heels fans expect or expected. UNC followers expect nothing but victories on the basketball court and expected new coach Hubert Davis to continue the long-time success.
Thus far, normalcy has not occurred.
UNC fell apart against Miami on Tuesday night. The Heels were down 27 points to the Hurricanes at halftime, tying their largest halftime deficit in a quarter century, before eventually falling by a 85-57 count.
North Carolina was dominated in every facet of the contest. It marked North Carolina’s lowest-scoring effort of the season under Davis and resulted in their second-worst loss in the last 10 seasons. The worst was earlier this season, a 29-point embarrassment to Kentucky.
What has to concern UNC fans is the effort. Or lack of effort. It clearly lacked on Tuesday. The Tarheels recorded 14 turnovers while only forcing four Hurricanes’ miscues. UNC also made only six of 30 three-point attempts while Miami enjoyed open three after open three enroute to making 14 of 22 long range efforts.
The effort left the Heels with a 12-5 record, 4-2 in the ACC. It is not time to panic about not making March Madness, but there has to be some concern.
Davis was asked after the loss about changing his team’s mentality. His answer was alarming as he said that he did not know and that he was very disappointed in his team’s fight, competitiveness, and effort.
Davis, who took over head coaching duties from Roy Williams, was asked about leadership from his roster. He answered by saying his team does not have a leader. The former Tar Heel standout stated that he has never seen a great team that does not have a leader on the court and in the locker room.
The unranked Tar Heels have 14 games left before the ACC tournament. North Carolina, currently third in the ACC, still has both of their games against No. 6 Duke. The Blue Devils are the only ranked team left on their schedule.
The Tar Heels will move on to face Wake Forest, who is currently undefeated at home. As tournament time draws closer, UNC needs to gain some momentum and find their identity. And according to their first-year coach, effort and leadership.
