Hubert Davis discusses ‘joy’ he feels as North Carolina coach

Hubert Davis is in the midst of his third season as North Carolina‘s head coach. It’s certainly been a roller coaster, experiencing the highs and lows of college basketball. One season, Davis is coaching in the national championship game, close to cutting down the nets. The next, he’s missing the NCAA Tournament with major questions facing the program.

Getting off to a great start this season likely helps but Davis says being the UNC head coach provides him joy. Not just because of the on-court success, where North Carolina is currently 13-3 and on a six-game winning streak. But watching his players grow as humans has been the biggest gift.

“It is a joy for me,” Davis said. “My job is to coach, to serve, to help, to assist. That’s my job every day. Just to, individually and as a team, make them the best that they possibly can be. To me, being able to have a front-row seat to see that growth — not just on the court but off the court and in the classroom — is something that I find great joy in and very enjoyable to be around.”

Davis is looking to check three boxes when forming a team to make sure they are tight-knit. He wants players who love North Carolina and love to be around their teammates. Loving the game of basketball is the first step of the process. For the time being, everyone on the roster is clicking together.

“I like when the guys are having fun and they’re having smiles on their faces,” Davis said. “Because they’re enjoying something that they love. They’re doing it at a place they love and they’re doing it with teammates they love. You check those three boxes and you’re going to have joy. And that’s what our team has.”

North Carolina is fresh off a massive win against Syracuse on Saturday, eclipsing 100 points for the second time this season. Next up on the schedule is Louisville at home, setting up to be another comfortable victory for the Tar Heels.

Winning certainly makes playing for a team a lot more fun. North Carolina is currently one of the best in the country and will be a serious contender to win the national championship come the NCAA Tournament.

Davis has found a way to enjoy more than just the on-court action, though. Something every head coach in the country will discuss but coming from a former player, it’s hitting home.