North Carolina’s preseason scrimmage offered a noticeable shift in offensive identity. The spacing was sharper, the ball moved with purpose, and players operated within a more structured system.
It was a clear difference from the inconsistent offense of last season, when the Tar Heels struggled to keep a consistent rhythm despite averaging over 80 points per game.
Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis coaches in the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Since taking over, Davis has emphasized his desire to shift North Carolina’s offense while still honoring the fundamentals of ball movement and play that defined the Dean Smith and Roy Williams eras of UNC basketball. This season, that balance might just be clearer than ever.
Rather than relying heavily on isolation, Davis wants to create an offense built on spacing, pace, and shooting threats at multiple positions, while still running plays that flow into traditional Carolina secondary breaks and high-low looks when needed.
North Carolina head basketball coach Hubert Davis in the breakout room at ACC Tipoff; Oct. 7, 2025 / Jackson McCurdy; North Carolina Tar Heels On SI
Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Powell (11) shoots as forward Jarin Stevenson (15) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Coach Davis recruited and developed with a specific vision in mind, targeting player archetypes that would expand the floor:
Tactics, New and Old
Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) reaches for the ball in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
UNC’s early scrimmage sets showed more spread, using Stevenson as a big across the floor and Powell as a corner shooter. This structure forces rotations and opens skip passes–something Carolina didn’t consistently leverage last season.
The Heels are also experimenting with smaller lineups, something Coach Davis emphasizes by using Trimble as a secondary ball-handler and Powell on the wing to play faster and switch more easily.
Off the ball, there’s more movement through flare screens and back cuts designed to take advantage of defenders cheating toward the lane.
The pace remains high, but there’s more purpose behind it. Instead of simply running fast, UNC looks to use early actions to collapse defenses, then flow into half-court spacing if nothing is available.
Mar 20, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis speaks at press conference during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
This is the clearest version yet of Hubert Davis’s offensive vision. It’s not just about scoring more points; it’s about creating a structure that maximizes spacing, uses versatile personnel, and avoids the stagnation that cost UNC key games last season.
If this preseason is any indication, Davis has built a system that fits both the program’s tradition and the modern game in a smaller guards-led roster. Whether that vision translates into ACC play remains to be seen, but the blueprint is set.
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