UNC Basketball: A Slip in the Rankings

UNC basketball has seen a shift in its national rankings. After a tough loss to SMU, the Tar Heels have dropped five spots in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll, now sitting at No. 17. This is a noticeable change from their previous position at No. 12. The loss also ended a seven-game winning streak, leaving UNC with a 13-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in the ACC. Looking ahead, UNC is set to face in-state rival Wake Forest on January 10. This game could be a turning point for the team, especially after a week of rest. The Tar Heels will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matchups. In the broader picture, other ACC teams like Duke, Louisville, Virginia, and SMU are also making their mark in the rankings. Duke, in particular, is holding strong at No. 3 nationally. Meanwhile, Michigan and Arizona remain undefeated, sitting comfortably at the top of the rankings.UNC's performance in various polls and analytics sites shows a mixed picture. They are ranked 22nd in the NET rankings, which is a drop from their previous position. On KenPom, they are at 29th, while EvanMiya and Bart Torvik have them at 25th. These rankings reflect the team's performance in different quadrants of games, with a notable loss in a Quadrant 1 game against SMU. The Tar Heels have a lot to prove in the coming games. Their performance will not only impact their rankings but also their standing in the ACC. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they bounce back from this setback.