The anticipation for the 2024-25 North Carolina basketball season is growing, particularly with significant changes to the lineup as key players leave and new talent arrives.
Contents
Short Summary:
- UNC’s roster is reshaping after losing significant players like Armando Bacot.
- New recruits and transfers, including Ian Jackson and Cade Tyson, are set to join the squad.
- Veterans RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau are expected to lead the team’s resurgence.
As the North Carolina Tar Heels gear up for the upcoming 2024-25 basketball season, uncertainty looms regarding their roster composition. In just over four months, the Tar Heels will open the season with aspirations of returning to the NCAA Tournament and making a deep run in March Madness. Last season, UNC finished with a commendable 29-8 record, clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season title, and secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, following a disappointing Sweet 16 exit at the hands of Alabama, the team must now face a significant roster makeover ahead of the new season.
Head coach Hubert Davis, in his fourth year, is navigating a challenging landscape as he looks to rebuild after losing three essential starters, including ACC Player of the Year, RJ Davis, and veteran big man Armando Bacot. The coaching staff has been active, acquiring two transfers from the portal: Cade Tyson, formerly of Belmont, and Ven-Allen Lubin from Vanderbilt, alongside three promising freshmen: Ian Jackson, Drake Powell, and James Brown. The welcoming of new and young talent is coupled with a strong return of established players, creating a fusion of experience and potential in the roster.
Potential Starting Lineup for 2024-25
As we look ahead, here’s our early prediction for UNC’s starting lineup:
- Elliot Cadeau – Freshman point guard and primary facilitator.
- RJ Davis – ACC Player of the Year, a significant scoring threat.
- Ian Jackson – Highly touted recruit expected to make an immediate impact.
- Cade Tyson – Transfer wing with an eye for shooting.
- Jalen Washington – Forward tasked with filling the void left by Bacot.
Looking at each player’s potential contributions, Elliot Cadeau is anticipated to step up as UNC’s lead guard. Having averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 assists as a freshman, Cadeau is recognized for his elite playmaking skills. As coach Hubert Davis noted, “Elliot’s comfort and confidence will rise in his sophomore season.” However, Cadeau’s outside shooting must improve for him to maintain his role effectively: he struggled from beyond the arch last season, hitting only 10% of his attempts.
RJ Davis remains the cornerstone of the Tar Heels’ potential success. The fifth-year senior demonstrated why he was named the ACC Player of the Year by leading the conference with 21.2 points per game. His strategic shooting ability and leadership will be crucial in mentoring younger players as they adjust to collegiate basketball. As Davis mentioned, “This is my last ride. I want to go out on top.”
Then there’s Ian Jackson, a top-10 recruit from New York, who is expected to bring a game-changing presence to the squad. Known for his defensive prowess and talent for scoring in transition, Jackson is reputed to command significant attention from opponents. Coach Davis highlighted Jackson’s importance, saying, “He’s a dynamic player who can change the pace of the game.”
Cade Tyson’s shooting ability will be critical for UNC this year, particularly after losing two of their top three shooters from last season. He averaged 5.9 rebounds and had a shooting percentage beyond the arc at an impressive 44.1% last year at Belmont. His versatility as a shooter will expand the floor and provide needed scoring depth.
In the paint, Jalen Washington, a 6-foot-10 forward, is under pressure to enhance his game and emerge as a reliable presence in the post. After averaging only 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds last season, UNC covets his development into a defensive stalwart. As projected by analysts, if Washington can elevate his performance to match the energy left by Bacot, the Tar Heels’ ceiling becomes significantly higher.
Key Departures and Impact
The Tar Heels recently said goodbye to foundational players like Armando Bacot, Cormac Ryan, and Paxson Wojcik. Bacot’s departure marks a monumental shift for the team, as he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, recording his 87th career double-double in his final game, tying with Tim Duncan for the ACC record. Bacot averaged 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds in his last season, solidifying his place in UNC history.
“I gave everything I had to this program. It’s hard to leave, but I believe in the next generation,” Bacot shared after his last game.
Cormac Ryan’s contribution as a sharpshooter added depth to UNC’s game plan, averaging 11.5 points per game. Ryan’s experience will be sorely missed, as he played a pivotal role in creating offensive flow. Paxson Wojcik’s departure leaves a void in bench scoring, critical for late-game scenarios and fatigue management.
Core Decisions for the Remaining Players
Several players, including RJ Davis and versatile forward Harrison Ingram, are at a crossroads regarding their basketball futures. Davis, after a stellar season, is weighing whether to capitalize on his fifth year of eligibility. Given his accolades, it would not be surprising if he opts to return to hone his skills further. Conversely, Ingram has proven to be a valuable asset, and with averages of 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds, his decisions could dictate if UNC retains its experienced core.
“At the end of the day, I’ll have to decide whether I want to help this team chase a title or take a leap into the profession,” Davis reflected.
In lieu of their decisions, players like Elliot Cadeau, Jae’Lyn Withers, Seth Trimble, and Jalen Washington face similar uncertainties. All have promising futures but may find increased prospects elsewhere should they seek bigger roles.
Exciting Influx of New Talent
The 2024 recruiting class for the Tar Heels is receiving high praise, ranking ninth nationally according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Leading the class are Ian Jackson and Drake Powell, both of whom are five-star prospects expected to contribute immediately. Jackson, in particular, stands out as the highest-ranked recruit Hubert Davis has coached at UNC. With his impressive background and skills, he is poised to make a significant impact.
Drake Powell’s longitudinal versatility complements Jackson’s attributes. Standing at 6-foot-6, Powell offers excellent defensive capabilities and the physical edge needed to challenge opponents. The third recruit, James Brown, while viewed as a project, adds height and potential to the lineup. Standing at 6-foot-9, Brown could ease into a bench role to acclimate to the college game’s pace.
As uncertainties surround the roster, the transfer portal plays a crucial role in shaping the Tar Heels’ future. Given that Bacot and Ryan have exited, UNC needs a reliable post presence, alongside a shooter capable of consistently converting perimeter shots. Hubert Davis expressed optimism about finding the right complements: “Our focus is clear. We need someone who can clean up the glass and spaces the floor.”
If RJ Davis and Harrison Ingram decide to stay, their skilled shooting will alleviate some of the worry surrounding the shooting landscape for UNC. However, Davis acknowledges that securing additional talent via the portal remains an imperative. Recent trends suggest that programs seeking success must be proactive in refining their rosters as the offseason progresses.
Conclusion: A New Era for UNC Football
The 2024-25 season presents a kaleidoscope of opportunity for the Tar Heels. With significant departures, new recruits, and a couple of key decisions yet to be made, the atmosphere in Chapel Hill is charged with anticipation. The blend of established players like RJ Davis and newcomers like Ian Jackson gives UNC fans hope for a compelling season ahead.
As for coach Hubert Davis, he has navigated roster overhauls effectively before, delivering success despite challenges. The results of his strategies and recruitment efforts will unfold as the season approaches.
In a world where uncertainty looms large, one thing stands certain: North Carolina basketball will continue striving for excellence and championship glory.