The college basketball world is buzzing with anticipation, but Ken Pomeroy's latest preseason rankings have left many scratching their heads about the Tar Heels' prospects. While some analysts like Bart Torvik and Evan Miyakawa have placed North Carolina in the mid-to-high twenties, KenPom's ranking of No. 33 has sparked debate. But here's where it gets controversial: is this ranking a cause for concern, or could it be a blessing in disguise? After all, the 2021-22 Tar Heels started at No. 40 and went on to reach the National Championship Game. Could history repeat itself? And this is the part most people miss: UNC's schedule is no walk in the park. They face seven opponents ranked above them, including two top-10 teams and three more in the top-20. In total, they'll battle 11 preseason top-50 teams, including a highly anticipated exhibition game against BYU in Salt Lake City on October 24. Let's break it down further. Their non-conference schedule features powerhouses like Kansas (No. 21), Michigan State (No. 25), and Kentucky (No. 4), alongside some lower-ranked opponents. In the ACC, they're ranked fourth behind Duke, Louisville, and Clemson, but they'll face six other conference teams in KenPom's top-50, including showdowns with Duke (No. 7) and Louisville (No. 14). Is KenPom underestimating the Tar Heels, or is this a fair assessment of their current standing? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate!
