Here’s a look at the Thursday night matchup between Elon and the No. 11 UNC women.
Category: Women’s basketball
UNC women turn Field Trip Day into clinic, blowing out NCCU with newcomers shining
CHAPEL HILL — If there was any doubt about the preseason hype that this No. 11 North Carolina team would be good, the Tar Heels quickly shot that down on opening day. Yes, it was against an overmatched N.C. Central team. But Carolina showed off a deep roster of young talent, including six newcomers, in throttling the Eagles 90–42 in the annual mid-day Field Day game Monday at Carmichael Arena.
Young Tar Heels flashes, grit and growth, but can’t overcome No. 2 Gamecocks
ATLANTA — The young No. 11 Tar Heels already knew that they would give a significant preseason test against No. 2 South Carolina, and it got even tougher with two key players sitting at the end of the bench.
How to watch UNC men’s exhibition, follow women’s exhibition this week
Just like with the exhibition game against BYU last week, you won’t be able to flip to a television channel and watch North Carolina’s men’s exhibition game Wednesday night against Winston-Salem State.
Confident, stronger Toomey eager for fresh start after frustrating freshman season
For Ciera Toomey, the word that defines her redshirt sophomore season will be confidence.
Thomas ready for bigger role for UNC after huge front-court offseason losses
With Alyssa Ustby and Maria Gakdeng gone, center Blanca Thomas knows the expectations are rising and a big sophomore leap will be needed if No. 11 North Carolina is going to come close to being as good inside as last season.
Banghart building chemistry with one of youngest teams in the country
With one of the youngest teams in the country, UNC coach Courtney Banghart is embracing the challenge of building chemistry and identity with a roster full of fresh faces and new roles.
UNC women highest in preseason AP Top 25 in 16 years
Before Coach Courtney Banghart arrived at Carolina in 2019, the Tar Heels hadn’t been ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll the previous four seasons, but her team on Tuesday made that preseason poll for the fourth consecutive season.
Phillips sees new scheduling model as boost for ACC’s high-major matchups
CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips says that the ACC is reshaping its competitive balance and its basketball schedule to better position the league for national prominence.
Nivar steps into spotlight as UNC’s defensive stopper, a senior leader
CHARLOTTE — With Lexi Donarski gone, there’s little mystery about who will likely take on the toughest defensive assignments for North Carolina this season. Senior guard Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels’ best returning defensive player, is ready to embrace that challenge, and as one of the team’s veterans, she’ll do it while leading a younger, retooled backcourt.
New faces, familiar ambitions for UNC women after offseason of transition
CHARLOTTE — Most coaches replacing three starters, including a decorated five-year player, face significant challenges. It’s not as if North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart wouldn’t love to have forward Alyssa Ustby, center Maria Gakdeng and guard Lexi Donarski back. But the influx of six talented players, including an incoming recruiting class ESPN ranked No. 5, along with stars returning, could make that transition easier after last season’s Sweet 16 run.
UNC men, women to play on ABC next season
ABC will televise two North Carolina games as part of its college basketball package, one each for the men’s and women’s teams.
Banghart explains challenges of getting Russian wing Astakhova to UNC
Recruiting players in Europe presents numerous challenges, even when there is a two-month gap between the time a player commits and the start of the fall semester. Getting 6–1 Russian Liza Astakhova to campus by the first day of classes on Aug. 18 was daunting, even though she committed to North Carolina on June 17.
Long wait, journey for 5-star freshman Henderson after second knee surgery nearly over
Perseverance and drive to reach the moment have been motivating forces for Taliyah Henderson for more than a year. When she plays at Carmichael Arena in her Carolina debut on opening day, that will be 468 days after she last cut hard off a screen, showed her speed running up the floor or swished a jumper in a game that counts.
Game times set for ACC/SEC Challenge
As you might expect, a battle of two of the traditionally strong men’s college basketball programs will be in prime time.