The Tar Heels make a significant jump after an impressive start to the 2023-24 season.

Impressive Start Propels UNC to Top 3

After concluding the preseason ranked 10th in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings, the North Carolina Tar Heels have made an emphatic statement at the start of the 2023-24 college basketball season. With a perfect 7-0 record, including victories over highly-ranked Michigan State and Purdue, the Tar Heels have earned the admiration of college basketball pundits and fans alike.

In the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings released on Monday, UNC secured the No. 3 spot, making it their first appearance in the top 5 since the 2019-20 season. The Tar Heels surpassed the likes of Kansas, Texas, and Tennessee, who had all been ranked ahead of them in the preseason.

Leaders Emerge for UNC

The Tar Heels' success this season can be attributed to the emergence of several key players who have stepped up and embraced their roles. Armando Bacot, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, has continued to dominate in the paint, averaging 20.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.

Caleb Love has emerged as a consistent scoring threat, averaging 18.4 points per game, while Pete Nance has provided a much-needed three-point shooting threat. Jalen Washington and RJ Davis have also made significant contributions, showcasing the depth of the Tar Heels' roster.

Hubert Davis Praises Team's Effort

UNC head coach Hubert Davis was understandably pleased with his team's performance and recent ranking. "I'm proud of our guys for the hard work they've put in," Davis said. "They've embraced their roles and have come together as a cohesive unit."

Davis believes that the Tar Heels' success is a testament to their team culture and commitment to defensive principles. "We have a group of guys who are bought into playing together and playing for each other," he said. "We've also improved significantly on the defensive end, which has been a key factor in our wins."

Tough Tests Ahead

Despite their impressive start, the Tar Heels face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks. They will travel to Las Vegas to participate in the Continental Tire Main Event, where they will face Iowa State and either Villanova or Dayton.

The Tar Heels will then return home to face their first conference test against the Virginia Tech Hokies on December 3rd. UNC will also have rematches against Michigan State and Purdue in January.

Conclusion

The North Carolina Tar Heels have made a strong statement at the start of the 2023-24 season, climbing to No. 3 in the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings. With a talented roster, strong team chemistry, and a commitment to defense, the Tar Heels appear poised to make their case as one of the top contenders for a national championship.

As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the Tar Heels handle the challenges that lie ahead and whether they can maintain their high level of play. If they can continue to perform at a high level, UNC could be a serious threat to win their first national title since 2017.

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