North Carolina's basketball team is entering the 2025-26 season with a significantly revamped roster, featuring a mix of high school recruits, transfers, and international players, after losing most of last year's team to graduation and transfer.

Following a challenging previous season that ended in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament, UNC is under high pressure to improve and aims to return to top seed status in March Madness.

The coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, has added five new players through transfers, high school recruits, and international prospects to fill the gaps left by departing players, including All-American guard RJ Davis.

International guard Luka Bogavac, a 6-6 scorer from Europe, is expected to bring size, versatility, and scoring ability to the wing, while fellow transfer Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot junior from Arizona, will likely start at center, providing rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive presence.

The projected starting lineup includes Kyan Evans, a sharpshooting junior guard from Colorado State, as the primary point guard, alongside Seth Trimble, a senior guard known for defense and leadership, and the frontcourt featuring Caleb Wilson, a highly-rated forward, and Veesaar.

Wilson, a highly athletic 6-10 freshman, is expected to contribute significantly in rebounding and defense, addressing UNC's previous rebounding issues, while Evans is anticipated to grow as a playmaker and perimeter shooter.

Veesaar's size and defensive skills are expected to bolster UNC's rim protection and rebounding, making him a key defensive asset.

Off the bench, players like Jarin Stevenson, Jonathan Powell, Derek Dixon, Jaydon Young, and James Brown are expected to provide shooting, size, versatility, and energy to support the starting lineup.

The team is considered a top-25 contender with potential to be a top-20 defensive team, but questions remain about offensive consistency and execution in halfcourt sets.

UNC's odds to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament are +4000, reflecting their status as a competitive but somewhat underdog team in the national landscape.

Overall, UNC's success this season will depend heavily on how well these new players integrate and execute, as the team seeks to rebound from last year's early exit and restore its national prominence.