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

Jerry Stackhouse 'disappointed' UNC didn't interview him for coaching job
Jerry Stackhouse said he expressed interest in the UNC coaching job that ultimately went to Michael Malone but never received an interview from his alma...
Tue May 12, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Back in the High School Recruiting Game for Kevin Thomas
The assumption had been that UNC would finish filling out its 2026-27 basketball roster either through the transfer portal or international ranks, but the...
Tue May 12, 2026

Former UNC Forward Deon Thompson Expected to Join Michael Malone's Basketball Coaching Staff
Deon Thompson is coming home. A source close to the program confirmed the 2009 national champion is expected to join Michael Malone’s staff as a...
Tue May 12, 2026

What UNC Basketball lost and gained in backcourt production
The Tar Heels' entire starting backcourt has turned over this offseason. The good news for UNC Basketball is that coach Michael Malone has brought in...
Tue May 12, 2026