Hubert Davis talks UNC basketball practice, keys vs Florida

On December 18, 2024By Littum

CHARLOTTE — UNC basketball’s last two practices left Hubert Davis in a cheerful mood ahead of the Jumpman Invitational.

‘Tis the season with nine days until Christmas, but the Tar Heels’ fourth-year head coach was happy for another reason as UNC (6-4, 1-0 ACC) prepares to play No. 7 at Florida (10-0) on Tuesday (7 p.m., ESPN) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

“Honestly, the last two days of practice have been the best practices all year. It’s the first time all year that I went home and I was like, ‘Wow, we’re getting better, we’re improving,'” Davis said Monday during a 13-minute interview with members of the media.

“I was just really encouraged by our game (against La Salle), but also the last two days of practice. … I always leave happy, but I was just really proud of the group the last few days.

“I just feel like from start to finish I think I’ve talked to you guys about getting to that level and staying at that level. I felt like the last two days of practice we started and we stayed there. So we’ll see if we can translate that against Florida.”

The Tar Heels have made it a point to emphasize and build on the “good things” on display against La Salle, including improvements sharing the ball (22 assists vs. 11 turnovers) and better activity defensively.

“These are encouraging things that we can build on,” Davis said. “We definitely need to consistently do better.”

Defense, rebounding remain top priorities for UNC basketball vs Florida

Almost every time Davis has talked about his team this season, the fourth-year head coach has cited rebounding and defense as the biggest keys to UNC’s season.

“The level of success we have is tied to two things: our commitment to defense and rebounding. Again, I don’t think we’ve been hot shooting the ball from the outside, but we still lead (the ACC) in scoring. Offense isn’t the problem,” said Davis, whose team is averaging 86.8 points to lead the ACC.

“Can we consistently be a good defensive team and a rebounding team? That’s going to be key for us against Florida, UCLA and going forward the rest of the season.”

UNC has allowed an average of 91 points in its four losses this season. The Tar Heels are 62nd in rebounds per game (39.5) and 169th in rebound margin (plus 2.6). Both areas must improve if UNC is to hand Florida its first loss.

Hubert Davis didn’t focus on UNC basketball’s NCAA Tournament resume

As we approach 2025, the non-conference portion of the schedule is coming to an end for UNC. Through 10 games, the Tar Heels have just one win against a high-major program.

The Heels are 32nd in the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) rankings with a 1-4 record in Quadrant 1 games per. December 16. With the Gators and no. 18 UCLA (9-1) on tap this week, the opportunities are there for UNC to improve its 2025 NCAA Tournament resume.

When asked if he ever mentions that resume to his team, Davis said, “I never do.”

“I am always 100% focused on the preparation and the process. I just am,” he said.

“The end result will take care of itself. It’s something that I learned with Coach (Dean) Smith and Coach (Bill) Guthridge and it’s something that was not only enforced and taught by them, it’s something that I believe. It’s something I train.”

Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and NC State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Do you have questions regarding these teams? Send them to [email protected].