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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A Pivotal Moment for UNC Basketball
During North Carolina’s climactic regular-season finale against arch-rival Duke, the atmosphere inside the Dean Smith Center was electric. The video boards illuminated with the faces of two legendary Tar Heels: Tyler Hansbrough and Justin Jackson, pivotal players in UNC’s most recent national championship triumphs.
As Hansbrough stood, rallying the crowd into a fervor, the stands erupted with cheers. Yet the enthusiastic fan seated nearby was no ordinary supporter; it was Jim Tanner, the seasoned NBA agent and UNC alumnus, now serving as the university’s inaugural general manager since his appointment on February 25.
Tyler Hansbrough, who was previously under Tanner’s representation, remarked, “Hiring Jim Tanner was an obvious choice. His connections and understanding of the program offer an insider’s perspective that few possess.” UNC is placing a significant wager on Hansbrough’s sentiments being accurate.
Tanner’s hiring was not a mere luxury but a necessity for a program in dire need of modernization, as per numerous program and industry insiders speaking to The Athletic under anonymity.
A Call for Modernization
Having missed the NCAA Tournament only four times from 1975 to 2021, the era of Roy Williams, UNC’s current trajectory under Hubert Davis could potentially mark its second absence in three seasons. The Tar Heels, standing at 22-13, faced a crushing loss to Duke in the ACC tournament semifinals, leaving them winless against their rival this season.
Although Davis’ position isn’t at immediate risk, the imperative to avoid another disappointing season is evident.
Jim Tanner has received widespread accolades across the basketball community for his appointment. However, his seven-figure salary, believed to be the highest for a college basketball GM, underscores the expectations that he will address UNC’s challenges: the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL).
As Davis expressed, “I have no doubt that this is precisely what our program requires.” UNC’s official statement outlines Tanner’s responsibilities, including roster management, contract negotiations, staff expansion in scouting and analytics, and leading player development initiatives. This arrangement aims to liberate Davis, allowing him to concentrate on his coaching strengths despite recent questions surrounding his tactical acumen.
Understanding the Challenges
How did North Carolina find itself in this predicament? The professionalization of college basketball was not unforeseen. Roy Williams indicated, “Two years before retiring, I suggested that we needed to be proactive, but we didn’t move quickly enough, if at all.” Following Williams’ retirement in April 2021, the NCAA’s approval of NIL rights transformed the collegiate landscape.
Davis’ initial success with transfer Brady Manek set a promising precedent, yet subsequent endeavors, like with Pete Nance, faltered, culminating in UNC’s absence from the NCAA field despite starting as the preseason No. 1.
The overarching issue, as sources indicate, is an adherence to an outdated mindset. Davis’ insistence on hiring within the UNC family has fostered an insular environment, limiting innovative ideas crucial for modernization. In an era marked by swift changes, industry experts suggest that UNC’s adaptation lagged.
Lessons from the Transfer Market
UNC’s failure to secure top frontcourt talents last summer, despite the departure of key players like Armando Bacot, serves as a cautionary tale. Although NCAA rules prohibit premature tampering, informal communications often precede official transfer announcements. UNC’s belated engagement left it unprepared. As a program source noted, it wasn’t the financial offers that deterred recruits but the timing.
For instance, an earlier approach to Kentucky’s Adou Thiero might have secured his commitment before a public bidding war ensued, resulting in his move to Arkansas.
Ironically, UNC’s recruitment challenges may have stemmed from its efforts to retain star guard RJ Davis, whose achievements warranted the highest pay within the team. This created conflicts when potential recruits demanded more than Davis’ compensation, a scenario UNC donors were unwilling to entertain.
As the season commenced, UNC recognized the necessity for change. Davis’ announcement of hiring a GM wasn’t a sudden revelation but the culmination of months of deliberation. By publicizing this decision, it afforded Davis the opportunity to appoint Tanner before the regular season concluded, positioning UNC advantageously ahead of the transfer portal reopening on March 24.
A Season of Resilience
Just a month ago, with a record of 14-11 and demoralizing losses against Duke and Clemson, UNC appeared on the brink of collapse. However, the Tar Heels rallied, winning eight of their final 10 games to re-emerge on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Achieving a berth in the First Four or securing a last-minute entry, while not ideal, would signify a significant recovery.
Despite Davis’ contract extension, which surfaced in late February, boosting his buyout to $6.25 million, his return next season is confirmed. Critics acknowledged his ability to galvanize the team during its lowest ebb, a testament to his coaching prowess.
As ACC coach noted, “Credit goes to Hubert for maintaining focus amidst intense scrutiny and keeping the team’s morale intact.” Hansbrough added, “Maintaining locker room cohesion and motivation reflects strongly on a coach.”
This season, Davis has employed diverse lineups, adjusting both offensive and defensive strategies. His willingness to experiment, even without a definitive solution, highlights a proactive approach. While the Tar Heels’ postseason fate is uncertain, the program is poised for future success, with Tanner’s strategic leadership offering hope for sustained excellence.
(Top photo of Duke guard Caleb Foster and North Carolina guard RJ Davis: Bob Donnan / Imagn Images)
