# UNC Unveils Ambitious Non-Conference Basketball Schedule for 2019-20 Season
In a move that signals high ambitions for the upcoming college basketball campaign, the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team has officially released its non-conference schedule for the 2019-20 season. The announcement, made on June 13, 2019, outlines a slate of 11 games designed to test the Tar Heels against a mix of mid-major opponents, powerhouse programs, and tournament-style competition. This schedule comes as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) expands to 20 regular-season games, reducing the non-conference portion but ensuring it remains packed with quality matchups.<grok:render card_id=”d18093″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> With legendary coach Roy Williams entering his 17th season at the helm, UNC aims to build on its storied legacy, which includes six NCAA national championships and consistent deep tournament runs.
The Tar Heels’ program, one of the most decorated in college basketball history, enters the 2019-20 season with a blend of experienced returnees and highly touted newcomers. Williams, who has compiled a remarkable 879-250 record overall and led UNC to three national titles since 2003, will rely on a roster bolstered by a top-10 recruiting class. Freshman sensation Cole Anthony, a 6-foot-3 point guard from New York and son of former NBA player Greg Anthony, is expected to be a cornerstone. Ranked as one of the top prospects in the nation, Anthony brings elite scoring, playmaking, and athleticism to a backcourt that lost key contributors from the previous year.<grok:render card_id=”b2da97″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Joining him is Armando Bacot, a 6-foot-10 center from Richmond, Virginia, known for his rebounding prowess and interior presence. Other freshmen like Anthony Harris and Jeremiah Francis add depth, while transfers Christian Keeling from Charleston Southern and Justin Pierce from William & Mary provide veteran scoring options.
Returning players such as junior forward Garrison Brooks, who averaged 7.9 points and 5.6 rebounds last season, and sophomore guard/forward Leaky Black will anchor the lineup. Brooks, at 6-foot-9, offers versatility in the frontcourt, while Black’s 6-foot-8 frame allows for defensive flexibility. Seniors like Brandon Robinson and Shea Rush, along with juniors Andrew Platek and Sterling Manley, round out a group poised for leadership. The recruiting class was ranked No. 8 by 247Sports, No. 9 by ESPN, and No. 11 by Rivals, underscoring the talent infusion.<grok:render card_id=”d26fc4″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Preseason expectations are high, with analysts projecting UNC as a top contender in the ACC and a potential Final Four team, building on their Sweet 16 appearance in the 2018-19 NCAA Tournament.
The non-conference schedule kicks off on November 8 with a road trip to face UNC Wilmington (UNCW) at Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, North Carolina. This in-state clash marks the true start of non-ACC play, following an early conference opener against Notre Dame on November 6 at the Dean E. Smith Center—a game set to air on the newly launched ACC Network.<grok:render card_id=”46e4b2″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> UNCW, coached by former UNC assistant C.B. McGrath in his third year, finished the previous season with a 10-23 record and a KenPom ranking of 272. While not a powerhouse, this game provides an early road test and a chance for the Tar Heels to shake off any rust against a familiar foe. UNC holds a dominant historical edge, but road games like this are crucial for building toughness.
Following the opener, UNC returns home for back-to-back contests at the Smith Center. On November 15, they host Gardner-Webb, a team that posted a 23-10 record last year and earned a No. 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they gave eventual champion Virginia a scare in the first half.<grok:render card_id=”342703″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> With a KenPom ranking of 163, the Bulldogs from the Big South Conference represent a solid mid-major challenge, offering opportunities for UNC’s young guards to gel. Five days later, on November 20, Elon visits Chapel Hill. The Phoenix, who went 11-21 last season with a KenPom of 309, made the trip reciprocal after UNC opened their new arena the previous year. This game, part of the Battle 4 Atlantis event, serves as a tune-up before a 12-day break, allowing Williams to fine-tune rotations.
The highlight of the early schedule is the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, held November 27-29 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. This eight-team field is loaded with talent, including Gonzaga (No. 1 seed in 2019 NCAA), Michigan (No. 2), Iowa State (No. 6), Seton Hall (No. 10), Oregon (No. 12), Alabama, and Southern Mississippi.<grok:render card_id=”df5696″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> UNC is likely bracketed away from Gonzaga to avoid an early matchup, given their scheduled game later. With six 2019 NCAA Tournament participants, this event could provide up to three high-quality wins, boosting UNC’s resume for March Madness. Tournaments like this have been pivotal for UNC in past seasons, offering neutral-site experience and exposure to diverse styles.
December begins with a marquee home game on the 4th against Ohio State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. The Buckeyes, under third-year coach Chris Holtmann, finished 20-15 last year with a No. 11 seed and a KenPom of 44.<grok:render card_id=”5f8c42″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> UNC holds a 10-10 all-time series record but is 5-4 at home. This matchup pits UNC’s up-tempo offense against Ohio State’s disciplined defense, making it a key early-season measuring stick. An 11-day hiatus follows, providing recovery time before hosting Wofford on December 15. The Terriers, who stunned UNC 79-75 in Chapel Hill two years prior, went 30-5 last season with a No. 7 seed and a KenPom of 18. However, they’ve lost stars like Fletcher Magee and Cameron Jackson, plus coach Mike Young to Virginia Tech, potentially tilting the rematch in UNC’s favor.<grok:render card_id=”816356″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Mid-December brings two high-profile road and neutral-site games. On the 18th, UNC travels to Spokane to face Gonzaga at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs, who dominated with a 33-4 record, No. 1 seed, and KenPom NoPom No. 2. last2 last year, boast year, boast
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