Hubert Davis explains how Caleb Love elevated game in NCAA Tournament

North Carolina’s season turned around from the NCAA Tournament bubble to a national championship game appearance thanks to improved play across the board, but particularly from point guard Caleb Love. After starring in the first two weekends, he took over down the stretch to defeat Duke and advance to the title game against Kansas.

During the build-up to the national championship, head coach Hubert Davis explained why Caleb Love has been so good in the big moments of the NCAA Tournament on the way to the national championship game.

“Well, one of the many things I love about Caleb is he wants to be on the biggest stage,” said Davis. “And so I’ve been a part of a number of, like, in terms of the atmosphere, big-time atmospheres as a player and as a coach. Last night it was right there. And that’s where Caleb wants to be. There’s very few players that want to be on that stage all the time. And Caleb does.

“The other thing is, he has an unbelievable ability to move on to the next play, next possession. So I think he air-balled in the second half. And then he came down and shot that ball over Mark Williams. He could turn the ball over and next day make a really great pass. His ability to move on to the next play is brilliant. I’m really happy for him. He’s always wanted to be in this position. He’s always wanted to make big shots in big-time situations. And I’m just really proud of him. And I’m happy for him and his family.”

Love is averaging 15.7 points and 3.7 assists this season, but put up 28 points in the Final Four win on Saturday.

Hubert Davis speaks about Michael Jordan

After reporters asked North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis about the possibility of Tar Heels legend Michael Jordan attending the national title game, Davis responded with some wishful thinking.

“I don’t just want him to show up,” Davis said, via Matt Norlander. “I’d like him to play.”

Michael Jordan is an occasional guest at UNC games in Chapel Hill but he’ll have to travel a little further this time to see the Tar Heels take on Kansas. The two teams tip-off on Monday at 9:20 p.m. ET in New Orleans.

The Hall of Famer spent three seasons with the Tar Heels under Dean Smith, winning a national championship in 1982. In that national title game, coincidentally also in New Orleans, he posted 16 points with nine rebounds.