During what has been an unusual offseason for the UNC volleyball team, the Tar Heels have looked to stay in shape and maintain their connection through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He’s a great coach, but more than that he’s a great man, a great role model, and I do see him as a second father,” Alex Breschi said. “He’s a great person to talk to, and his love for me and the rest of my teammates is beyond what we can do on the lacrosse field.”
With Monday marking two months since the NBA suspended its season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNC professor Jonathan Weiler, who hosts the "Agony of Defeat” podcast about the intersection between sports and politics with UNC history professor Matthew Andrews, admits he's on the pessimistic side for sports' return in the near future. Both noted in interviews with The Daily Tar Heel that virtually every league is in uncharted territory right now, with no clear path forward. “We’ve never had this before. Ever,” Weiler said. “Where there’s no sports, anywhere in the world.”
The UNC Athletics department announced a new initiative Wednesday meant to support student-athletes and their families through the COVID-19 pandemic using crowdfunding and fan donations.
After receiving a historic donation from the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, North Carolina football and the Rams Club announced that the field at Kenan Stadium will be renamed after UNC graduate Chris Smith.
The NCAA Board of Governors is backing a rule change that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness, the NCAA announced in a press release Wednesday.
The 3-point shot has revolutionized the game of basketball. After it was created, low-frequency shots from way outside were not only rewarded but encouraged. Despite Roy Williams' emphasis on the paint, the Tar Heels aren't immune to the rising importance of the 3-pointer. When there is individual 3-point success at UNC, national championships seem to follow.
To Shea Rush, basketball is central to nearly all of his experiences. He certainly became a better player over the last four years, but he says the program means much more to him. “That stuff is all fun, but the thing that I will miss most, without a doubt, are my teammates,” Rush said. “It was the greatest bond and friendship I’ve ever had on a team.”
“Being a part of Carolina basketball was never about how much playing time I got, for me,” he said, “I was just thankful to be a part of that program and have the opportunity to put that jersey on, go to practice every day, do workouts with those guys and cheer them on every night.”
The Dixie Classic undoubtedly shaped the legacy of North Carolina college basketball fans. This annual three-day period showcased the top talent of the "Big Four" North Carolina schools, coming to a sudden end with the exposition of a point-shaving scandal involving the players of participating schools.
Francis is the second Tar Heel to announce a transfer this month, following Brandon Huffman's announced exit on April 9.
The huge wins over the Yellow Jackets may have provided a jolt of energy for the Tar Heels, who cruised through the Chapel Hill Regional, outscoring their opponents 34-14 over a three-game span.
Former rowing coach Sarah Haney is still employed by the University of North Carolina, The Daily Tar Heel has learned through public records. After announcing her resignation amidst a Title IX investigation into the team on December 2, 2019, Haney transferred into her new role as a "special assistant to the athletic director" that same day.
Jalen Green boasts a tight handle, quick trigger from three, and elite athleticism around the rim, but one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2020 will never play a college game. What could it mean for the NCAA's future?
This past Saturday, the UNC men’s basketball team got its first commitment from the class of 2021 in Dontrez Styles. Here are some of the class of 2021 players who are on North Carolina's radar.
There won’t be war rooms, a live crowd or even a chorus of boos for commissioner Roger Goodell as the NFL Draft gets started on Thursday. Instead, the draft will be done virtually with all team personnel in separate locations. For two former UNC football players who will have their names called, the new coronavirus world has changed the way they are experiencing the draft process.
“Coach Brown was very clear: ‘I want it to be cool. I want it to be modern. I want a high school student to come in and think it’s warm, welcoming and inviting,’” Rick Steinbacher said.
With the loss of Cole Anthony, the Tar Heels will have to find out what combination of new and returning players will replace the team's leading scorer from last season.
The No. 1 junior in North Carolina, Dontrez Styles, has committed to play for UNC, he announced via Instagram Live on Saturday. Styles, a Kinston, North Carolina native, is labeled as a four-star power forward, according to 247Sports, and is the No. 57 recruit in the 2021 class. He picked the Tar Heels over the likes of N.C. State, Georgetown and Maryland, who also offered him.
With Anthony's departure, the Tar Heels will be returning guards Anthony Harris, Leaky Black, Andrew Platek, Jeremiah Francis and K.J. Smith in addition to the arrival of five-star Caleb Love and four-star R.J. Davis at the guard position.
