No. 18 North Carolina (2-0) is set to face Radford (2-0) on Tuesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. in the Smith Center, Chapel Hill. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network, featuring commentators Wes Durham and Dennis Scott.
In a recent statement, UNC coach Hubert Davis expressed his sadness over the broken left arm of senior guard and team captain Seth Trimble, who underwent surgery and is expected to miss some time. Trimble, a vital player in both scoring and defense, was contributing 14.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. This marks the third consecutive season that Trimble has faced a significant injury setback. However, Davis remains optimistic, highlighting Trimble’s leadership qualities that will continue to inspire the team during his recovery.
Highlighting the Tar Heels’ promising start, freshman Caleb Wilson has been recognized as the ACC Player and Rookie of the Week. Wilson has recorded impressive averages of 23 points per game while displaying remarkable shooting skills, connecting on 80.9% of his attempts. He became the first UNC freshman to score over 20 points in his first two college games. During the Tar Heels’ last game against Kansas, he contributed 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists—a performance that places him in elite company among UNC’s freshman roster.
Looking ahead at Radford, the Highlanders are also off to a positive start this season with victories over Western Illinois and West Virginia Wesleyan. Under the guidance of first-time head coach Zach Chu, who has an extensive background in basketball analytics and strategy, Radford has revamped its roster, introducing 14 new players, including key contributions from new transfers. Del Jones and Dennis Parker Jr. have emerged as leading scorers, averaging 15 points and 14.5 points per game, respectively.
The previous encounter between the two teams saw Carolina secure an 86-70 victory, with Armando Bacot delivering a standout performance. The Tar Heels have historically dominated in their matchups against Radford, leading the all-time series 3-0, including a memorable NCAA Tournament victory in 2009.
As North Carolina prepares to embark on a stretch of games against mid-major opponents where they are favored, the team is looking to build momentum while navigating Trimble’s absence. This matchup against Radford presents an opportunity for Tar Heels to enhance their performance and build on their solid start while also integrating new talent into their system effectively.