North Carolina is coming off a big week, convincingly beating Notre Dame and Virginia, one of the best teams in the country.
While Carolina is 16-4 and 4-4 in ACC play, their season has had its ups and downs, to say the least. As the season progresses, many questions are answered. However, some problems remain.
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Let’s see what improvements Tar Heels has made and what still needs improvement.
something improved
January 10, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) carries the ball up the court during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
In addition to Seth Trimble, Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, others are stepping up.
North Carolina struggled to find reliable scoring outside of those three players, but ended up getting consistent help from several role players. After offensive depth was almost as problematic as defense and poor free throw shooting in ACC play, three additions have begun to change that narrative.
The new starting point guard Derek Dixon performed well, averaging 12 points and 4 assists per game, shooting 46.4% from the field and 56.2% from three-point range. His plus-minus value increased in every start. In the game that upset Virginia, his plus-minus value reached +22. Luka Bogavac has rebounded from a cold start off the bench, averaging 10.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the past four ACC games, while Jalin Stevenson has surged over the past two games, scoring 17 points against Virginia and an all-around performance against Notre Dame. Together, their performances gave the Tar Heels the complementary scoring they were missing.
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Nothing to improve
January 21, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Notre Dame holds the ball with Irish forward Matthew MacLellan (34) and North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) on defense during the first half at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Defense and free throw shooting.
While the defense did improve last week, it still ranks last in the league in 3-point field goal percentage and is allowing an average of 82.1 points per game in ACC play. Yes, Virginia has a great offense and scored 80 points against Carolina. However, this is the fifth time in eight ACC games that the Tar Heels have allowed more than 80 points.
From the free throw line, UNC shot 66.1 percent from the line in conference play, ranking 15th in the ACC. Shooting free throws is something a champion does, let alone a winner, and the Tar Heels have to find their stroke quickly.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Where It Has Improved and Still Needs Improvement
