UNC Prepares for NCAA Tournament with Intense Practice

The Tar Heels' first practice ahead of the tournament sets the tone for their postseason run.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:34am

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The University of North Carolina men's basketball team held its first practice on Monday as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The intense and competitive session is setting the tone for the Tar Heels' postseason run, which begins on Thursday in Greenville, South Carolina.

Why it matters

UNC is one of the top teams in the country and a perennial contender for the national championship. How the team practices and prepares in the days leading up to the tournament can often be an indicator of their focus and mindset heading into the high-stakes games.

The details

Monday's practice was described as the "most competitive" session the team has had all season, with players going all-out against each other in drills and scrimmages. Head coach Hubert Davis emphasized the importance of maintaining this level of intensity and focus as the Tar Heels begin their quest for a national title.

  • UNC held its first NCAA Tournament practice on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Tar Heels' tournament run begins on Thursday, March 20, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.

The players

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team.

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What’s next

The Tar Heels will continue their intense practice schedule throughout the week as they prepare for their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup on Thursday.

The takeaway

UNC's competitive and focused practice sets the tone for their postseason run, as the team looks to channel this intensity into a deep tournament run and potential national championship.