The North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team is set to host the Radford Highlanders on Tuesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. This matchup will be available for viewing on the ACC Network, featuring commentators Wes Durham and Dennis Scott.
Early Season Performance
Both teams enter the contest with identical 2-0 records. The Tar Heels secured victories against Central Arkansas (94-54) and Kansas (87-74). In contrast, Radford triumphed over Western Illinois and West Virginia Wesleyan.
Following their impressive performances, the Tar Heels climbed seven spots in the Associated Press poll. They now stand ranked No. 18 nationally.
Injury Update
Despite their strong start, the Tar Heels will be without senior guard Seth Trimble. He sustained a left forearm injury on November 9. Trimble had previously contributed 14.5 points on average in the first two games and accounted for 94.5% of the team’s returning points.
Freshman Impact: Caleb Wilson
Freshman forward Caleb Wilson has made a significant impact, earning Co-ACC Player and Rookie of the Week honors. He shares the recognition with Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas. Wilson is the first Tar Heel freshman since Cole Anthony in 2019-20 to receive both accolades in a single week.
- Wilson averaged 23.0 points over the first two games.
- He is the eighth Tar Heel freshman to achieve ACC Player-of-the-Week honors.
Statistical Highlights
The Tar Heels have started the season shooting 50.8% and 51.5% from the field. This marks the first time since the 2021-22 season that they have shot above 50% in their first two games. Historically, under coach Hubert Davis, UNC has a 37-1 record when shooting at least 50%.
Historical Context with Radford
The Tar Heels hold a 3-0 lifetime record against Radford, including two wins at the Smith Center. Their last meeting on November 6, 2023, resulted in an 86-70 victory for UNC, led by Armando Bacot’s 25 points.
Key Players to Watch
Several players have stepped up in the early season. Caleb Wilson leads the freshman scoring debut with 22 points against Central Arkansas and 24 against Kansas.
- Kyan Evans contributed significantly with six three-pointers and eight assists.
- Henri Veesaar has been a solid performer, averaging 17.0 points and leading in rebounds at 7.0 per game.
Looking Ahead
The Radford game is the third of five consecutive home games for the Tar Heels to start the regular season. Previously, they faced Central Arkansas and Kansas.
This matchup presents an opportunity for the Tar Heels to build momentum as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
