NCAA resume-building time is next 3+ weeks, beginning with Kentucky game

It is still early in the season, but it’s already NCAA resume-building time for the No. 9 North Carolina men’s basketball team. Tuesday’s 87–76 loss at Madison Square Garden to No. 5 and reigning NCAA champion UConn (NET ranking of 7) was the first of six Quad 1 opponents in seven games under the current NET rankings.

Healthier Heels pick up the pace, roll past Western Carolina

CHAPEL HILL — In probably the last sure win on No. 25 North Carolina’s schedule, the Tar Heels took full advantage on a feel-good night full of holiday cheers and torrid defense. Eager to rebound from a short-handed loss to No. 17 UConn, the Tar Heels — with two players back who didn’t play in that game — dominated Western Carolina at Carmichael Arena. UNC led by 64 points late before finishing off a 96–36 win behind senior wing Alyssa Ustby’s 23 points.

Tar Heels in pros: White hits 26 as Bulls jump out to biggest lead since Jordan era; Nance scores 29 in G League; Kessler blocks seven shots

Coby White continued his outstanding play on Thursday and helped Chicago jump out an early lead the Bulls haven’t seen since Michael Jordan led the way.

To rebound from UConn loss, Hubert Davis says Heels have to rebound

CHAPEL HILL — “Rebounding.” Carolina coach Hubert Davis, in lightning-fast fashion, provided that one-word answer Thursday afternoon when asked what his team had worked on — even before the reporter completed the question — since the No. 9 Tar Heels lost 87–76 on Dec. 5 in New York to No. 5 UConn.

Debut episode: “Bleav in Heels Hoops” podcast, presented by Tar Heel Tribune and Tobacco Road Sports Radio

This is the first episode of the “Bleav in Heels Hoops” podcast, presented by Tar Heel Tribune and Tobacco Road Sports Radio, with c-hosts Desmond Johnson and R.L. Bynum talking about Carolina basketball. In the first episode, they discuss this list of the top 10 UNC-Kentucky games, look back at the loss to UConn and ahead at Saturday’s game in Atlanta against Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic.

Tar Heels in pros: Nets’ Johnson scores 15, has good all-around game, wins in emotional return to Phoenix; Hornets reassign Black to G League

It was an emotional return to Phoenix for Cameron Johnson, who played his first 3½ NBA seasons with the Suns before they dealt him to the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline last season.

UNC women hope to shake injury bug entering final two non-conference games

With two more non-conference games before the No. 25 North Carolina women open ACC play on New Year’s Eve against Clemson, there’s a lot of frustration but also plenty of hope.

Tar Heels in pros: White keeps hot streak going with 27 points, 5 3-pointers; Pinson nearly gets triple-double in G League

Big games are becoming routine of late for Coby White. White scored 27 points and five 3-pointers Tuesday and added eight assists and four rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for Chicago to avoid its second loss in as many nights.

Walton starts, scores 17 in Texas Tech win with much bigger role; Styles has game-high 19 in Hoyas victory; Todd-Williams scores 10

There was little reason for hope that Kerwin Walton would have much of a role at Texas Tech through the first six games, but he suddenly has become a key player for the Red Raiders. It all changed in the 87–58 victory over Omaha on Dec. 6 when Walton scored a career-high 22 points, and starter Devan Cambridge suffered a season-ending knee injury.

From Maye’s shot to Anthony Davis’ block — the top 10 UNC-Kentucky games

Since the iconic Luke Maye jumper shot down Kentucky in the 2017 NCAA Southeast Regional final, the Carolina-Kentucky matchups haven’t lived up to the high standard this rivalry has set. But there are plenty of battles between the college basketball blue bloods that fans will never forget in a rivalry that goes back to when both were in the Southern Conference.