Hubert Davis discusses his recruiting plan with one scholarship open for 2022-23

North Carolina returned four of five starters and most of its rotation after getting to the national championship game in 2022. But they’ve still added several pieces to help reinforce their depth — which was a problem during their tournament run. The bench just wasn’t deep or reliable. Which forced coach Hubert Davis to play his starters nearly the whole game during the postseason.

As it sits, UNC has all but one of its scholarships filled for the 2022-23 season. That’s a pretty packed roster, but they have the space to squeeze in one more guy if they’d like. When asked if he plans to use the extra spot, Davis responded, “I really like where our team is right now.” However, he added that “we’re always actively looking to make your team better,” so he likes having the flexibility to add another piece if somebody who could help the team becomes available.

Make no mistake, though, Davis is thrilled with the group he has. “There’s a hunger and a third and a desire,” he said of early practices. “And it’s coming from the returning players,” added. He also noted the freshman have brought a nice spark and that they and the returners have meshed wonderfully.

Davis went on to explain that there is such an emphasis on chemistry in his program. Partially why he decided to leave a spot open. Rather than force something with a player he’s not sure will work well with everyone else, he’s content with the guys he has now but remains able to add another guy if need be.

Davis explains how an Armando Bacot NIL deal has impacted his family

At a recent press conference, reporters asked UNC coach Hubert Davis what he makes of all the NIL deals his players have gotten. Armando Bacot has been the “most active” on the NIL front, according to Davis. He joked that he never expected he’d “go to a player and ask him to hook me up,” referencing Bacot’s spot on Outer Banks.

Davis also said Bacot’s opportunity is making him more popular under his own roof. He said he got “huge bonus points as a dad” when he revealed to his daughter that Bacot was joining a television show that she was a fan of. It looks like Davis and his daughter may even get to meet the cast of the show thanks to one of his players.

Just another instance where NIL is doing good. Why did the NCAA prevent this type of thing from happening for so long? Who knows.