The disappointment for North Carolina seems to have hit a new low. The fanbase is mad, coaches are upset, and players understand they didn’t play well.
After another early exit, the questions came quickly. For a program with championship expectations, falling short has become a pattern, and as a result, that attention has turned toward what needs to change moving forward.
But after UNC’s loss, head coach Hubert Davis wasn’t ready to go there.
“That's a big-thinking question,” Davis said when asked if Carolina needed significant change to meet expectations, per ESPN. “I apologize, I'm just not there right now. Just really sad that we're not continuing to play and to move forward because I have loved and enjoyed this team. I enjoy and love all of them, but I've just really enjoyed coaching this team. I really wanted this group and these kids to experience more.”
Davis knows that he’ll have to answer that question at some point. Many have called for his job after this loss.
However, it’s a reminder that, for coaches, these moments are about more than wins and losses. There’s a connection to the players, and when a season ends, coaches have to be there for their guys.
Still, the reality is something he has to face. North Carolina entered the year with high expectations and once again couldn’t get it done. That will lead to questions, whether Davis wants to address them right away or not.
Seth Trimble, who played 43 minutes, acknowledged that reality after the game.
“You get tired during the game, simple as that,” Trimble said. “You get tired, but we've been in that position many, many times this year. So, it wasn't anything at first.”
Not having Caleb Wilson hurt in that moment, but there are only so many excuses to make. UNC is a better team than VCU and should have beaten them.
For UNC, the offseason will be massive. Whether it’s spending even more in the portal, getting rid of Davis, or something else, the Tar Heels absolutely have to change something and get this thing right in the near future.