Tar Heels' road to Houston paved by Johnson and Paige decisions to stay

Posted Mar 30, 2016
The turning point of this Final Four run for UNC dates back to the end of last season. Only a few days after the 2014-15 Tar Heels completed a so-so (by Carolina standards) 26-12 record with a 79-72 loss to Wisconsin in the West Regional semifinals, then juniors Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige opted to return to school over pursuing professional careers. (WRAL Sports Fan)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Is Jarin Stevenson's Breakout Real?
Could Jarin Stevenson emerge as an All-ACC-caliber contributor with double-double consistency? Isaac Schade and Jonathan Adams discuss Stevenson’s explosive 25-point, 10-rebound preseason outing, the ripple...
Wed Oct 14, 2026

Tar Heels in NBA: Leaky Black starts for Kings, RJ Davis Waived by Spurs
Leaky Black is seeking a new start with the Sacramento Kings and got a chance Tuesday to show he deserves a two-way contract. The news...
Wed Oct 14, 2026

UNC Men's Basketball Picked Fifth in Preseason ACC Poll
Ahead of UNC's first season under Michael Malone, the Tar Heels were picked to finish fifth in the ACC preseason media poll, following a vote...
Tue Oct 13, 2026

Kevin Thomas Wanted To Be Part Of UNC Basketball's 'Winning Group'
Kevin Thomas thought his recruitment was over. The 6–6 wing had committed to LSU and was preparing for the next step in his basketball career...
Tue Oct 13, 2026