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Five takeaways from UNC basketball's dominant, season-opening win over Central Arkansas
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- Five takeaways from UNC basketball's dominant, season-opening win over Central Arkansas
The North Carolina Tar Heels began their 2025-26 basketball season with a big bang Monday night, dominating Central Arkansas in a 94-54 blowout with plentiful new faces.
It didn't take long for UNC (1-0) to prove itself as the better team, with a double-digit lead just five minutes in. North Carolina built a 28-point lead by halftime, which further widened in the second half and allowed Hubert Davis to empty his bench.
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Outside of the Blue-White Scrimmage and a couple preseason exhibitions, Tar Heel Nation knew little about what to expect with this year's team. After Monday night, fans can expect a team which plays with tons of energy, chemistry and players who root for each other.
Caleb Wilson lived up to every bit of preseason hype he generated, slamming down dunks with seemingly every touch. North Carolina needs perimeter shooting in the worst way, but found players who can provide that. Henri Veesaar 's height will be a big reason UNC plays better this season, as his 7-foot frame has the ability to play difference-maker in games.
The Tar Heels' offense will generate most of Monday's postgame talk, but defense was also a difference-maker. North Carolina held every Central Arkansas (0-1) player to single-digits – and the Bears to 31.3% shooting as a team. UNC played a disciplined brand of basketball, only sending UCA to the line for nine shots.
Friday night will prove a significantly tougher test for the Tar Heels, who host the Kansas Jayhawks in a rematch from almost one year ago today. For now, though, read our five takeaways from tonight's big win.
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Caleb Wilson was impressive in his collegiate debut
If Wilson had any first-game jitters, he did a great job hiding them Monday night. Playing a team-high 25 minutes (along with Veesaar and Evans), Wilson led all scorers with 22 points, while also showcasing his balanced skillset with four rebounds, three assists, one steal and block apiece.
UCA provided little resistance for Wilson and his Tar Heel teammates, but Wilson's debut proved impressive nonetheless. A tougher test is coming Friday in Kansas – and fans hope Wilson can replicate Monday's performance.
Perimeter shooting is already an upgrade
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 24: Kyan Evans #0 of the North Carolina Tar Heels calls out a play during the second half of their exhibition game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Delta Center on October 24, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Cold perimeter shooting is the death of teams come postseason play. UNC struggled with the 3-point ball a season ago, but impressed in that area Monday night.
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North Carolina shot 34.5% as a team from deep, led by a 4-of-7 mark from Kyan Evans. Seven different Tar Heels made a 3-pointer.
Kansas is a taller, more physical team than Central Arkansas, so UNC will need to rely perimeter shooting more Friday night. Monday was a good start.
Veesaar finally gives UNC a true center
Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) shoots as forward James Brown (2) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
UNC needed every bit of Ven-Allen Lubin last season, but his undersized frame at 6'8" made it easy for taller, opposing teams to bully UNC down low.
Veesaar, an Arizona transfer is a 7-footer playing in his first full season as a starter. With a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double in his North Carolina debut, fans should feel comfortable saying he's a massive upgrade from Lubin.
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Luka Bogavac will be a great addition
Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Luka Bogavac (44) shoots in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bogavac, cleared moments before the game, played 20 minutes off UNC's bench. Bogavac drained three of his nine shots, including a 3-pointer, finishing Monday night with 10 points.
If North Carolina knew Bogavac could play earlier than Monday, you're looking at improved numbers. As Bogavac plays more, he'll discover his shooting touch the Tar Heels coveted when recruiting him.
Zayden High looks poised to thrive in a larger role
Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Zayden High (1) passes the ball in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Even with UNC's increased depth, particularly in the post, it's too early for rotations to be finalized. From watching Monday's game, though, High looks every bit of a key contributor off the bench.
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High grabbed four rebounds, dished out a pair of assists and blocked one shot across 11 minutes. James Brown and Ivan Matlekovic, two additional candidates for center/power forward minutes, played a combined seven minutes.
After not playing last season, High looked solid Monday night. Will we see High's minutes increase the deeper North Carolina gets into its season?
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Five takeaways from season-opening win over UCA
