Cole Cloer, a lifelong Tar Heel enthusiast, became the first UNC basketball offer recipient on the 2026 recruiting trail last May. And in early January, the Caldwell Academy (N.C.) forward listed Hubert Davis and his staff among his most active suitors.

Hubert Davis envisioned in Chapel Hill as North Carolina basketball has failed to meet expectations. The Tar Heels have just one quad 1 win and have let a number of opportunities slip through their fingers.

Kon Knueppel scored 17 points and Tyrese Proctor and Sion James both notched 16, and No. 2 Duke responded from a seven-point deficit in the second half to beat rival North Carolina 82-69 on Saturday night at Chapel Hill,