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: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball's Elite Recruiting Needs
Basketball recruiting analyst Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss UNC Basketball's in-state recruiting efforts with CJ Rosser and DeMarcus Henry. Both hail...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

UNC Basketball schedule, ACC games to circle in Michael Malone's first season
Seth Trimble, a four-year guard for the Tar Heels who is using a fifth season of eligibility at Louisville, will return to Chapel Hill as...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball Schedule Drops, Anticipation Rises
Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina look at how the full 2026-27 UNC Basketball schedule shakes out for the Tar Heels and, on...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

Michael Malone’s first ACC basketball game that counts will be against Cal in late December
Coach Michael Malone finally got the full schedule for his first season as North Carolina men's basketball coach, and his first ACC game that counts...
Thu Sep 10, 2026