IC Daily: The Other Side of the Smith Center Debate

North Carolina football's roster reconstruction is in full swing ahead of the transfer portal opening on January 2nd with the positional needs changing by the the day. Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss the latest transfer portal exits and the need for retention and continuity while Bill Belichick and his staff continue to implement their culture into the program's DNA. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the UNC administration moves closer to a decision on the future of the Smith Center, Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss communication and how former players and coaches have spoken up demanding to be included in the process. Barnes discusses what's been done to gather information and keep the Carolina family in the loop, but explains that any effort to get a uniform and a unanimous agreement may not be possible given the nature of the debate. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson continue to lead the way for the now 10-1 North Carolina Tar Heels. On Tuesday against East Tennessee State, Veesaar dropped a career-high 26 while Wilson had 20 as the Heels woke up late in the first half and left the visitors behind winning 77-58 in the Smith Center. Inside Carolina's Rob Harrington joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the win and look ahead to the return of Seth Trimble and games against Ohio State and East Carolina before the Christmas break. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina's senior reporter Greg Barnes discusses the looming decision on the Smith Center's future at UNC. Renovations, locations and capacity debates have gone of for years when it comes to the aging legendary arena on south campus and as Barnes reports, those making the much anticipated decisions are ready to move forward into the new era of Carolina Basketball. Barnes outlines the details and the timeline and what fans can expect in the years to come. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss North Carolina's offensive coordinator search, what Bill Belichick is after in the hire and when the timing is right for the Tar Heels to have the new coach in place as the opening of the transfer portal looms in early January 2026. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina only played once this past week as they had their usual exam break to wrap the fall semester. The Tar Heels looked every bit of a distracted team, and will need to tighten up before ACC play begins in just over two weeks. Sherrell McMillan and Sean Moran join Joey Powell to dissect it all. The Coast to Coast is delivered by Salvio's Pizzeria in Cary, an award-winning, go-to local pizza spot for game days, catering, family meals, events, and more. They've been serving Tar Heel fans for over twenty years. Pickup, delivery, or dine in. More info at Salviospizza.com. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina’s win on Saturday, 80-62 over USC Upstate, was not pretty. But several positives came from the messy outing, including improved three point shooting (10-23 overall) and Jonathan Powell’s performance eased some questions about bench play for Hubert Davis’s team heading deep into December. Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley team up on the Inside Carolina Postgame to discuss the game and key takeaways from UNC’s ninth win on the season. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley turn to basketball in this edition as Hubert Davis successfully navigated both the high school ranks and the transfer portal to acquire his two impressive big men - Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. Barnes discusses the two early season UNC stars and the commitment to the money game North Carolina has made to reestablish the program among the elite in the ACC and nationally. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss the news that Freddie Kitchens is out as offensive coordinator at North Carolina. The move opens up a huge position coach need for Bill Belichick and crew in a major area of need for the program. Along side the Kitchens news, Belichick has relieved Special Teams coach Mike Priefer of his duties in that role as well. Barnes discusses what's next for Belichick, Mike Lombardi and the decision makers in the Kenan Football Center as the calendar nears 2026. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It has been an eventful year in Chapel Hill as exactly one year ago, the North Carolina Tar Heels embarked on the Bill Belichick era and after a tumultuous first season with results no one wanted or expected, the second 365 days start now. The Inside Carolina crew of Greg Barnes, Jason Staples and Don Callahan join Tommy Ashley for a wide-ranging discussion of what went wrong, what went right and what lessons were (hopefully) learned for a coach and UNC coaching staff figuring out the college game on the fly. The IC panel also discusses what progress looks like over the next 365 days and how this program can get back to relevance on the football field. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.