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 - Sayon Keita Surges Into UNC Spotlight
Could freshman center Sayon Keita emerge as UNC Basketball's most important player this season? Isaac Schade and Jonathan Adams discuss Keita's breakout performances, his shot-altering...
Wed Oct 21, 2026

Silent but strong, Alex Samodurov has succeeded overseas. Now he’s in the Hill.
Alexandros Samodurov is preparing for his first season on the North Carolina men’s basketball team, bringing four years of professional basketball experience in Greece and...
Wed Oct 21, 2026

After years of false hope, Chicago Bulls first-round pick Caleb Wilson feels inevitable
All eyes will be on the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, when Caleb Wilson and his teammates tip off the 2026-27 regular season against the Raptors...
Wed Oct 21, 2026

Playing in a packed Smith Center is a dream come true for Terrence Brown
From Fairleigh Dickinson to Utah to North Carolina, one may wonder when it will hit Terrence Brown just how far his college basketball journey has...
Wed Oct 21, 2026