Hubert Davis Outlines Benefits and Goals for BYU Exhibition

North Carolina’s basketball team is set to face BYU, ranked No. 8 in the preseason, in a public exhibition on Friday. This matchup occurs just 12 days before their official season opener against Central Arkansas on November 3. This exhibition is crucial for UNC as they establish their team dynamics and prepare for the upcoming regular season.

Hubert Davis on Exhibition Benefits

Head coach Hubert Davis emphasized the importance of this exhibition for the Tar Heels. Unlike controlled scrimmages of the past, this game will provide a realistic environment to assess their preparedness. Davis stated, “There are huge benefits in playing games like this.” This opportunity will help the team identify strengths and areas for improvement before they enter the competitive season.

Previous Performance and Player Insights

Last season, North Carolina recorded a 23-14 record, making it to the NCAA Tournament. They started their journey by defeating San Diego State but were eliminated by Ole Miss in the Round of 64. During the off-season, the Tar Heels brought in 10 new scholarship players, which adds a significant dynamic to the team.

• North Carolina defeated Memphis 84-76 in last year’s exhibition.
• The team has participated in two intrasquad scrimmages this month.
• Hubert Davis holds a record of 101-45 entering his fifth season as head coach.

Goals for the BYU Exhibition

Davis outlined several key objectives for the game against BYU. Firstly, he stressed the need for enhanced defensive performance and strong rebounding. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a fast pace while taking care of the basketball.

BYU’s Recent Performance

BYU is coming off a 26-10 season, where they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. They recently lost a close exhibition game against Nebraska, 90-89. The Cougars return key players, including Richie Saunders, who earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors last season, and point guard Robert Wright III, a transfer from Baylor.

Future Talent and Team Chemistry

UNC is also looking ahead to future talent, such as AJ Dybantsa, a standout recruit for 2025 who has participated in early recognitions as a preseason All-American. Davis commended Dybantsa’s growth and teamwork qualities, which align with the team’s objectives for cooperation and cohesiveness.

With the exhibition against BYU, North Carolina aims to gauge their chemistry. This match will serve as a critical evaluation point ahead of their season debut.