Hubert Davis has coached the North Carolina Tar Heels for four years through some up and down seasons. While he made an appearance in the NCAA championship game in his first year, the team has struggled to replicate that success since then.
Despite their struggles, UNC has continued to financially support the basketball program. Multiple sources have confirmed that the Tar Heels have passed the $14 million mark for their 2025-26 roster.
On a new episode of “Eye on College Basketball” on Thursday, analyst Gary Parrish spoke about the complicated situation the Tar Heels find themselves in with their alumni-turned-coach.
“They love Hubert Davis,” Parrish said (Timestamp 4:58). “He’s very important to that institution, to that athletic department. Ask Georgetown what it feels like when you’ve got to pull the trigger on Patrick Ewing. Ask Memphis fans what it feels like when you have to criticize Penny Hardaway. It’s not fun to reach an awkward situation with a beloved alum.”
“And so, North Carolina has put Hubert in position to succeed. Now it’s up to him and his staff to do it. But I will say: if this is one of the five, six or seven most expensive rosters in college basketball — to me at least — it doesn’t look like one of the five, six or seven best rosters in college basketball.”
Parrish continued the discussion, discussing whether the Tar Heels have the potential to become a top team next season.
“Doesn’t mean it can’t turn into one of the five, six seven best teams,” Parrish said. “As always, we’ll see. But when you’re evaluating rosters on June 5, 2025, if North Carolina has one of the 10 most expensive rosters in the sport, I don’t know that it’s one of the 10 best.”
Hubert Davis’ additions for next season are underwhelming despite the high payroll
Despite being allowed to shell out $14 million in NIL funds for next season, the North Carolina Tar Heels do not have a roster that appears ready to compete with Duke in the ACC. Its recruiting class was strong as it is No. 8-ranked in the 247Sports composite rankings and led by No. 8-ranked Caleb Wilson.
However, Hubert Davis’ transfer class was underwhelming. While it brought in five players, none of them are true stars. As a result, the team has the No. 22-ranked transfer class, according to 247Sports. This will make it challenging for the Tar Heels to compete for the ACC championship.
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Edited by Alexander O’Reilly
