At the ACC Basketball Tip-Off, Hubert Davis sat between two players who represent both ends of his vision for the 2025–26 Tar Heels, senior guard Seth Trimble and newcomer Henri Veesaar. “It’s a real honor and a privilege to be here,” Davis said, glancing toward them. “Just a joy to coach and really excited about this upcoming season.”
He knows this year can define his tenure. “Player development is always at the top of the list,” Davis said. “For our team to be good, each individual player has to be good. I want our guys to be basketball players — not one-dimensional.”
That idea was more than talk. Davis pointed to Trimble and Veesaar sitting beside him. “They’re great examples of that,” he said. “Guys that can get it done on both ends of the floor and do a number of things on the offensive end, whether it’s around the basket or outside from three-point range.”
Trimble, now one of Carolina’s veterans, echoed his coach’s message. “I think the biggest thing is continuing to preach the foundations our coaches teach the traditions here at North Carolina,” he said. “It’s about how important it is to wear this jersey and represent the history that’s come through here.”
He’s also learned to shut out the outside noise. “It’s been a huge goal of mine to, sorry, but ignore you guys and everybody else,” Trimble said with a grin. “I think I’ve done a really good job of that. I’m just going to keep playing basketball and doing what he asks me to do.”
Veesaar, the 6-foot-11 Arizona transfer, spoke softly but carried the same conviction. “I’m just feeling the love of the community and seeing what the school really means,” he said. “Knowing that you play for so much more than just yourself. Seeing the older players come back and play with us, that just means everything.”
Davis has leaned on that connection to build chemistry through one of the nation’s most overhauled rosters. “We’ve been on the floor for eight months,” he said. “In order to play for me, you have to know me, and I have to know you. The only way that happens is by spending a lot of time together. I’m thankful we’ve had that.”
For Davis, Trimble, and Veesaar, the message was consistent, unity, toughness, and accountability. “We’ve got guys who compete on every possession,” Davis said. “It’s going to be fun to coach them.”
Fun, yes — but in Chapel Hill, fun only lasts if the wins follow.
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