The University of North Carolina Tar Heels enter the 2024 season with high hopes, seeking to build upon their success in recent years. As the reigning ACC Coastal Division champions and with an experienced roster, the Tar Heels have their sights set on making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
The 2024 UNC schedule features a challenging mix of conference and non-conference opponents, ensuring a competitive and exciting season for fans and players alike. Led by returning starters like Armando Bacot, Caleb Love, and Leaky Black, the Tar Heels will look to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the nation.
The season opener will be a home game against the Elon Phoenix, a perennial contender in the Colonial Athletic Association. From there, the Tar Heels will host the Florida Gators in Chapel Hill, a key non-conference matchup that will set the tone for the season.
UNC Schedule 2024
Here are 8 important points about the UNC Schedule 2024:
- Season Opener: Elon Phoenix at home
- Non-Conference Matchup: Florida Gators in Chapel Hill
- ACC Opener: at Virginia Tech
- Homecoming Game: against Louisville
- Rivalry Renewed: Duke Blue Devils at home
- Coastal Clash: at Miami Hurricanes
- Regular Season Finale: vs NC State Wolfpack
- NCAA Tournament Hopes: Build on recent success
With a challenging schedule and a talented roster, the UNC Tar Heels are poised for another successful season in 2024.
Season Opener: Elon Phoenix at home
The UNC Tar Heels will kick off their 2024 season with a home game against the Elon Phoenix, a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) powerhouse. The Phoenix have won six CAA regular season championships and four CAA Tournament titles since 2007, making them a formidable opponent for the Tar Heels.
- Home Court Advantage: Playing their first game of the season at home gives the Tar Heels a significant advantage. The Dean Smith Center is one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball, and the Tar Heels have a strong home record.
- Early Test: The Elon Phoenix are a well-coached and experienced team, so this game will be a good early test for the Tar Heels. It will allow them to assess their strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments before ACC play begins.
- Building Momentum: A strong performance in the season opener can help the Tar Heels build momentum and confidence as they head into the rest of the non-conference schedule. A win against Elon would also give them a good start in the NCAA Tournament selection process.
- Looking Ahead: After the Elon game, the Tar Heels will face a tough non-conference schedule, including games against Florida, Kentucky, and Gonzaga. The Elon game will be a chance for them to work out any kinks before they face these more challenging opponents.
The season opener against Elon is an important game for the Tar Heels as they look to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Non-Conference Matchup: Florida Gators in Chapel Hill
The UNC Tar Heels will host the Florida Gators in Chapel Hill on December 3, 2024, in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup. The Gators are one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have a long history of success, including two NCAA Tournament championships.
This game will be a great opportunity for the Tar Heels to test themselves against a high-level opponent and see where they stand early in the season. The Gators have a talented roster led by All-American candidate Colin Castleton, so the Tar Heels will need to be at their best to pull out a victory.
The game will also be a homecoming for Florida head coach Todd Golden, who was an assistant coach at UNC under Roy Williams from 2015 to 2019. Golden is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and he will be eager to lead his Gators to a win against his former team.
The Florida game will be a big test for the Tar Heels, but it is also a great opportunity for them to make a statement and show that they are one of the top teams in the country. A win over the Gators would give them a huge boost of confidence heading into ACC play.
Additional Details:
- The Florida Gators are led by All-American candidate Colin Castleton, a 6’11” center who is one of the most dominant big men in the country.
- The Tar Heels and Gators have met 32 times overall, with UNC holding a 21-11 advantage in the series.
- The last time these two teams met was in the 2022 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, with Florida winning 78-74.
- UNC head coach Hubert Davis is 2-0 against Florida in his career.
The Florida game is sure to be a sellout, and the atmosphere in the Dean Smith Center will be electric. It is a game that no UNC fan will want to miss.
ACC Opener: at Virginia Tech
The UNC Tar Heels will open their ACC schedule on the road against the Virginia Tech Hokies on January 7, 2024. The Hokies are a perennial contender in the ACC, and they always give the Tar Heels a tough game in Blacksburg.
- Hostile Environment: Cassell Coliseum is one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. The Hokies fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and they create a hostile environment for opposing teams.
- Tough Matchup: Virginia Tech is a well-coached team with a talented roster. They have a strong defense and a balanced offense, so the Tar Heels will need to be at their best to win this game.
- Early Season Test: The ACC opener against Virginia Tech will be a good early test for the Tar Heels. It will allow them to see where they stand in the conference and make adjustments before the ACC Tournament.
- Rivalry Renewed: UNC and Virginia Tech have a long history of rivalry, dating back to the early days of the ACC. The two teams have met 65 times overall, with UNC holding a 41-24 advantage in the series.
The ACC opener against Virginia Tech is a big game for the Tar Heels. A win would give them a strong start in conference play and send a message to the rest of the ACC that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Additional Details:
- Virginia Tech is led by head coach Mike Young, who is one of the most respected coaches in the ACC.
- The Hokies have a young but talented roster, led by guards Sean Pedulla and Darius Maddox.
- UNC has won the last two meetings against Virginia Tech, including a 78-68 victory in Chapel Hill last season.
- The Tar Heels are 17-13 all-time against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
The ACC opener against Virginia Tech is sure to be a close and exciting game. It is a game that no UNC fan will want to miss.
Homecoming Game: against Louisville
The UNC Tar Heels will host the Louisville Cardinals in Chapel Hill on February 4, 2024, in their annual homecoming game.
- Homecoming Festivities: The homecoming game is a special event for UNC students and alumni. There will be a parade, a pep rally, and a bonfire the night before the game. On game day, there will be a tailgate party and a halftime show.
- Rivalry Renewed: UNC and Louisville have a long history of rivalry, dating back to the early days of the ACC. The two teams have met 58 times overall, with UNC holding a 35-23 advantage in the series.
- Tough Opponent: Louisville is a well-coached team with a talented roster. They have a strong defense and a balanced offense, so the Tar Heels will need to be at their best to win this game.
- Home Court Advantage: The Dean Smith Center will be rocking for the homecoming game. The Tar Heels have a strong home record, and they will be looking to use the crowd’s energy to their advantage.
The homecoming game against Louisville is a big game for the Tar Heels. It is a chance for them to show their support for the university and to celebrate their rich basketball tradition.
Additional Details:
- Louisville is led by head coach Kenny Payne, who is a former UNC player and assistant coach.
- The Cardinals have a young but talented roster, led by guard El Ellis and forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield.
- UNC has won the last two meetings against Louisville, including a 90-83 victory in Louisville last season.
- The Tar Heels are 22-10 all-time against Louisville in Chapel Hill.
The homecoming game against Louisville is sure to be a close and exciting game. It is a game that no UNC fan will want to miss.
Rivalry Renewed: Duke Blue Devils at home
The UNC Tar Heels will host the Duke Blue Devils in Chapel Hill on February 18, 2024, in one of the most anticipated games of the college basketball season.
- Historic Rivalry: UNC and Duke have one of the most storied rivalries in all of college basketball. The two teams have met 257 times overall, with Duke holding a slim 136-121 advantage in the series.
- National Spotlight: The UNC-Duke game is always a national spectacle. It is one of the most watched regular season games every year, and it always has a major impact on the NCAA Tournament picture.
- Top Talent: Both UNC and Duke are expected to have top-10 teams in 2024. The Tar Heels and Blue Devils have a combined 11 national championships, and they are always contenders for the title.
- Home Court Advantage: The Dean Smith Center will be packed for the Duke game. The Tar Heels have a strong home record against the Blue Devils, and they will be looking to use the crowd’s energy to their advantage.
The rivalry game against Duke is the biggest game of the year for the Tar Heels. It is a chance for them to prove that they are the best team in the ACC and to stake their claim as a national championship contender.
Additional Details:
- Duke is led by head coach Jon Scheyer, who is a former Duke player and assistant coach.
- The Blue Devils have a young but talented roster, led by guard Dereck Lively II and forward Kyle Filipowski.
- UNC has won the last two meetings against Duke, including a 91-73 victory in Chapel Hill last season.
- The Tar Heels are 82-40 all-time against Duke in Chapel Hill.
The rivalry game against Duke is sure to be a close and exciting game. It is a game that no UNC fan will want to miss.
Coastal Clash: at Miami Hurricanes
The UNC Tar Heels will travel to Coral Gables, Florida, to face the Miami Hurricanes on March 4, 2024, in a key ACC Coastal Division matchup.
The Hurricanes are a rising power in the ACC, and they are always a tough opponent, especially at home. Miami has a talented roster led by guard Isaiah Wong and forward Norchad Omier, and they will be looking to make a statement against the Tar Heels.
The game against Miami is also a chance for the Tar Heels to clinch the ACC Coastal Division title. If they can win in Coral Gables, they will be crowned division champions and earn a top seed in the ACC Tournament.
The Coastal Clash between UNC and Miami is always a close and exciting game. The two teams have split the last four meetings, and the Tar Heels hold a slim 13-12 advantage in the all-time series.
Additional Details:
- Miami is led by head coach Jim Larrañaga, who is one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.
- The Hurricanes have a young but talented roster, led by guard Isaiah Wong and forward Norchad Omier.
- UNC has won the last two meetings against Miami, including a 77-64 victory in Chapel Hill last season.
- The Tar Heels are 6-6 all-time against Miami in Coral Gables.
The Coastal Clash against Miami is a big game for the Tar Heels. It is a chance for them to clinch the ACC Coastal Division title and to send a message to the rest of the ACC that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Regular Season Finale: vs NC State Wolfpack
The UNC Tar Heels will close out the regular season at home against the NC State Wolfpack on March 11, 2024. The Wolfpack are always a tough opponent, and the regular season finale is sure to be a close and exciting game.
- In-State Rivalry: UNC and NC State are two of the most storied programs in the ACC. The two teams have met 229 times overall, with UNC holding a 138-91 advantage in the series.
- Battle for the ACC: The regular season finale could have major implications for the ACC standings. Both UNC and NC State will be looking to finish the season strong and earn a high seed in the ACC Tournament.
- Senior Day: The regular season finale will also be Senior Day for the Tar Heels. UNC will honor its graduating seniors, and the Dean Smith Center will be rocking for one last time.
- Home Court Advantage: The Tar Heels have a strong home record against NC State. They have won the last four meetings in Chapel Hill, and they will be looking to extend their winning streak.
The regular season finale against NC State is a big game for the Tar Heels. It is a chance for them to finish the season on a high note and to send their seniors out with a win.
Additional Details:
- NC State is led by head coach Kevin Keatts, who is a former UNC assistant coach.
- The Wolfpack have a talented roster, led by guard Terquavion Smith and forward Ernest Ross.
- UNC has won the last two meetings against NC State, including a 78-70 victory in Raleigh last season.
- The Tar Heels are 68-23 all-time against NC State in Chapel Hill.
The regular season finale against NC State is sure to be a close and exciting game. It is a game that no UNC fan will want to miss.
NCAA Tournament Hopes: Build on recent success
The UNC Tar Heels have a strong NCAA Tournament history, and they will be looking to build on their recent success in 2024.
- Recent Success: The Tar Heels have made the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four seasons, and they have reached the Sweet 16 in two of those seasons.
- Talented Roster: UNC has a talented roster led by Armando Bacot, Caleb Love, and Leaky Black. All three players are expected to be back for the 2024 season, and they will form one of the best trios in the country.
- Strong Schedule: The Tar Heels have a challenging schedule in 2024, which will help them prepare for the NCAA Tournament. They will face several top-25 teams, including Florida, Duke, and Virginia.
- Hubert Davis: UNC head coach Hubert Davis is a rising star in the coaching ranks. He led the Tar Heels to the NCAA Tournament in his first season, and he will be looking to make a deeper run in 2024.
The Tar Heels have all the pieces in place to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2024. They have a talented roster, a strong schedule, and a great coach. UNC fans should be excited about the upcoming season.
Additional Details:
- UNC is currently ranked No. 10 in the preseason AP Poll.
- The Tar Heels are projected to be a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament by ESPN.
- UNC has won six NCAA Tournament championships, the most recent coming in 2017.
- The Tar Heels have made 29 Final Four appearances, the most of any team in NCAA history.
The NCAA Tournament is the ultimate goal for every college basketball team, and the UNC Tar Heels are no exception. They have a long history of success in the tournament, and they will be looking to add to their trophy case in 2024.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule:
Question 1: When is the UNC Tar Heels 2024 season opener?
Answer 1: The UNC Tar Heels 2024 season opener is on November 7, 2024, against the Elon Phoenix at the Dean Smith Center.
Question 2: When is the UNC Tar Heels 2024 ACC opener?
Answer 2: The UNC Tar Heels 2024 ACC opener is on January 7, 2024, against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum.
Question 3: When is the UNC Tar Heels 2024 homecoming game?
Answer 3: The UNC Tar Heels 2024 homecoming game is on February 4, 2024, against the Louisville Cardinals at the Dean Smith Center.
Question 4: When is the UNC Tar Heels 2024 rivalry game against Duke?
Answer 4: The UNC Tar Heels 2024 rivalry game against Duke is on February 18, 2024, at the Dean Smith Center.
Question 5: When is the UNC Tar Heels 2024 regular season finale?
Answer 5: The UNC Tar Heels 2024 regular season finale is on March 11, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack at the Dean Smith Center.
Question 6: What are the UNC Tar Heels’ NCAA Tournament hopes for 2024?
Answer 6: The UNC Tar Heels have a strong chance of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2024. They have a talented roster, a strong schedule, and a great coach.
Question 7: Where can I find more information about the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule?
Answer 7: You can find more information about the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule on the UNC Athletics website.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the UNC Athletics Department.
Transition paragraph:
In addition to the FAQ, we have also compiled some tips for UNC fans attending games in the 2024 season.
Tips
Here are some tips for UNC fans attending games in the 2024 season:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
Games at the Dean Smith Center are always packed, so it is important to arrive early to get a good seat. Doors typically open one hour before tip-off.
Tip 2: Wear Carolina blue.
Show your Tar Heel pride by wearing Carolina blue to the game. You can find UNC gear at the UNC Bookstore, online retailers, and at the Dean Smith Center.
Tip 3: Be loud and proud.
The Dean Smith Center is one of the loudest arenas in college basketball. Be sure to cheer on the Tar Heels and make some noise. Your support can help the team win.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Attending a UNC basketball game is a great way to spend an evening. Enjoy the game, the atmosphere, and the company of your fellow Tar Heel fans.
We hope these tips help you have a great time at the Dean Smith Center in 2024. Go Heels!
Transition paragraph:
We hope you have found this article informative and helpful. Be sure to check back for updates on the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule and other UNC basketball news.
Conclusion
The UNC Tar Heels have a challenging but exciting schedule in 2024. They will face some of the top teams in the country, including Florida, Duke, and Virginia.
However, the Tar Heels have a talented roster and a great coach in Hubert Davis. They are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
UNC fans should be excited about the upcoming season. The Tar Heels have a chance to do something special in 2024.
Closing Message:
Go Heels!
We hope you have enjoyed this preview of the UNC Tar Heels 2024 schedule. We will continue to update you on the latest news and developments throughout the season.
Thank you for reading!