LOOK: North Carolina remakes iconic SportsIllustrated cover with No. 1 ranking
After a run to the national title last season, North Carolina returns a ton of production from 2022’s runner-up. So many familiar faces on the Tar Heel’s roster make them easy to bet on for this upcoming college basketball season. The preseason AP Poll did just that as they voted UNC No. 1 in the nation and, in turn, their media team capitalized on it in an incredible way.
After the release of the poll, North Carolina’s Twitter page posted a remake of their iconic cover featuring Dean Smith and his 1981 team with Hubert Davis and the 2023 Tar Heels.
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In 1981, the cover featured Smith alongside his stars Sam Perkins, Matt Doherty, Jimmy Black, and James Worthy. That team went 32-2 and won the national championship in 1982. This time around, the remake features Leaky Black, Caleb Love, RJ Davis, and Armando Bacot alongside Davis.
The 2022-2023 Tar Heels don’t want to just pay homage to the 1981-1982 team, though. They want to experience the same level of success they found come the postseason. Either way, this is an exceptional call back and should have everyone in Chapel Hill very excited for their November 7th tipoff against UNC Wilmington.
LOOK: UNC men’s and women’s basketball to wear Jordan Brand Luka Doncic first signature shoe
Luka Doncic may not have played college basketball, but he’s making his mark on the game via the shoe game.
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After inking a deal with Jordan Brand, Doncic received his first signature shoe, which was revealed to be on the feet of the North Carolina Tar Heels this coming season. Check out Luka thanking the program for rocking his kicks, taking to Twitter to highlight the partnership.
“(Prayer hands emojis) @UNC_Basketball and @uncwbb for wearing the Luka 1 this season!” tweeted Doncic.
In addition to the Tar Heels, Doncic also revealed the Florida Gators will be strutting around in his signature shoe this coming season, as well. According to reports, more schools will be receiving team color way inspired versions of the Luka 1, but for now it’s all about the Tar Heels and the Gators.
The Luka 1 hit stores earlier this year after being in development for well over a year, and now the line is preparing to release their first “Bred” color way — one of the most famous color ways of Jordan Brand shoes. As you can see, Luka Doncic is making his name know in the shoe world after becoming a household name on the court, and there’s plenty more to come in the future.