Hubert Davis' fourth UNC basketball team is in the midst of a crucial season. There's still time for them to prove their worth and secure a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, a No. 1 seed might be out of reach as they've suffered three consecutive losses, dropping to 4-4 overall after a 94-79 home defeat at the hands of Alabama. The ACC's collective struggles have limited their opportunities to make a significant impact on the national scene.

UNC Basketball's Quest for Tournament Glory

UNC's Early Season Ranking and Current Standings

The Tar Heels debuted at No. 26 in the season's first NCAA NET Rankings, a crucial metric for evaluating teams in the Big Dance. But with the loss to Alabama, they have since fallen to No. 41. Currently, they stand at No. 4 among ACC teams. At this point, it's not unthinkable that the conference could have as few as three teams make it to the NCAA Tournament. The ACC's top three representatives in the NET Rankings are Duke at No. 4, Pitt at No. 12, and Clemson at No. 15. There's a notable gap between these teams and the rest of the conference, including UNC and only five others in the top 100.

Upcoming Games and Schedules

UNC basketball is set to host Georgia Tech (No. 180 NET) at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday on the ACC Network. This will be followed by a game against La Salle (No. 136) in Chapel Hill the following Saturday. After that, they'll face off against Florida (No. 5), UCLA (No. 18), and Campbell (No. 271) to wrap up their December and non-conference slates. These games will be crucial in determining their trajectory and chances of achieving their tournament goals.

The Impact of ACC Struggles on UNC

The ACC as a whole is facing challenges, which has affected UNC's standing. With only a few teams likely to make it to the NCAA Tournament, UNC needs to perform exceptionally well in their remaining games. The gap between the top teams and the rest of the conference is significant, and UNC must find a way to bridge that gap. They have the talent and potential, but they need to capitalize on their opportunities and play at their best. Each game is a chance for them to prove themselves and move closer to their tournament aspirations.