Coach Hubert Davis recognizes the potential of No. 10 North Carolina to perform at an elite level and is focused on achieving that consistency. This goal will be particularly crucial during the upcoming three-day Maui Invitational, which features a strong lineup and kicks off with a first-round game against 5-0 Dayton on Monday at 11:30 p.m. (ESPN2).
“One of the things that I have talked to them about is we have been at that level that I feel like you have to be in order to compete against teams like this,” Davis shared at an ocean-side press conference on Sunday. “But you’ve got to start there. You got to stay there, and that’s the next step for us. Can we start there? Can we stay at that level and on both ends of the floor?”
Davis has been particularly pleased with the team’s pace, which has led to a remarkable 41-1 advantage in fast-break points over the last two games. He emphasized that maintaining this transition game will be vital, especially considering the rebounding challenges the Tar Heels may encounter.
“I think consistently and early in the season, our pace has been good,” Davis noted. “The way that we transition from defense to offense, even after a made basket, we’re up the floor in scoring position pretty quickly.”
Coach Hubert Davis has seen enough positives to recognize that No. 10 North Carolina can perform at a high level. His goal is to achieve that level of efficiency more consistently.
This will be crucial during the upcoming three-day Maui Invitational, which features a strong lineup and kicks off with a first-round matchup on Monday at 11:30 p.m. (ESPN2) against the unbeaten Dayton team.
“One thing I’ve emphasized is that we have shown we can reach a level necessary to compete against teams like this,” Davis stated during a press conference by the ocean on Sunday. “But it’s not just about reaching that level; it’s about maintaining it. That’s the next step for us. Can we start strong? Can we keep that level on both ends of the court?”
Davis is particularly pleased with the team’s pace, evident in their 41-1 advantage in fast-break points over the last two games. Enhancing their transition game will be essential, especially given the rebounding challenges the Tar Heels may encounter.
“Early in the season, our pace has been good,” Davis remarked. “Our ability to transition from defense to offense, even after a basket, allows us to quickly get into scoring position.”
However, rebounding has been a concern for Davis.
“It all comes down to defensive rebounding,” he said. “Against Hawaii, we were outrebounded by 13, which simply isn’t acceptable going forward. We need to find ways to secure rebounds against more physical and taller teams, as this will be a consistent challenge for us.”
There are no easy matchups at this event, especially with the withdrawal of Division III Chaminade. North Carolina (3–1) faces tough bracket positioning; depending on the outcome against Dayton, they could play either No. 4 Auburn (4–0) or No. 5 Iowa State (3–0) next.
“It’s not the Final Four, but it’s an incredible experience unique to Maui,” Davis noted.
Having played in the tournament in 1991 and served as an assistant coach on two occasions, Davis is well acquainted with the intense atmosphere and close fan proximity at the Lahaina Civic Center.
“It’s always a competitive field,” Davis said, with the exception of when Chaminade was involved. “Three challenging games. It’s really special for me to experience it from different perspectives, and I’m looking forward to it.”
He likened the experience to the ACC tournament, where teams may have to play several days in a row. Davis emphasized that staying focused will be key for his team.
One of the things that I’ve talked to the players all the time is to be bound by the discipline and details,” Davis said. “And that’s just the habits created over practice, over time, even starting from the summer.”
Unlike when he played at the Maui Invitational and assistant coach Bill Guthridge had them take pre-dawn bike rides down a mountain, the team has no specific off-the-court activities.
Leave a Reply