Change is Needed

SeaPinesHeel

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Aug 23, 2025
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good for you for contributing so much you have sway like that in the AD. I am not in that class.

My instinct is to give her one more year and see what she does with Harpring and what should be a pretty talented surrounding team, but I get that's not a one sided thing
anyone contributing to NIL or the Rams Club pays the salaries of the players. A lot of us are in the boat. We could use your help!

and talent is certainly not the issue with this team, thats for sure. and as good as a player that Kate seems to be, I don't know if even she can overcome incompetent coaching
 

CCHeel1

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
364
622
93
I sincerely hope that Harpring doesn't reconsider, especially if things go south during the season. Although she has signed, it wouldn't be the first time someone asked to be released from their LOI. The Harprings seem like a great family who were very careful about Kate's decision, so it's not likely but it concerns me.
 

3397char

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Jun 30, 2025
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They were also considered to be young last season because most of the reserves were freshman despite starting two super seniors, a four year senior and a junior. I know they wouldn't be considered to be veteran team if the four of the starters were freshmen and the reserves were mostly made up of juniors and seniors.
I don't remember anyone referring to last year's team as young, other than one or two in discussing why some reserves did not play more (they were young/inexperienced). Or talking about other individuals, like Grant who was 17 for the entire season. But if their were people labelling the team young as a whole, they were clearly wrong.

This year's team is young. That is an objective fact based on math. Whether or not you think that is worthy of consideration versus excuse-making is certainly debatable.
 

3397char

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Jun 30, 2025
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I never said they should be fired now. Serious conversations need to be had at the end of the season unless major improvement is made. We are heading for the bubble or worse. We are going to lose 10 games or more.

Most concerning is the lack of program improvement during her tenure. Recruiting is the only thing going decent.
I will take the "bet" on us losing 10 games or more prior to Selection Sunday.
 

3397char

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Jun 30, 2025
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Here is AI's analysis. Agree, disagree?

Here are the main tactical and strategic criticisms that have consistently come up regarding Courtney Banghart’s coaching at UNC. These are drawn from media analysis, fan discussions, and common talking points around the program.


Offensive System Criticisms
• Lack of consistent offensive identity
UNC often goes long stretches without scoring, and the offense can look stagnant when guards struggle to create. Critics argue the team doesn’t have a clear, repeatable system that generates easy baskets.


• Too isolation‑heavy
A common complaint is that possessions devolve into 1‑on‑1 play, especially late in games. When primary scorers are shut down, UNC struggles to find alternative creation sources.


• Limited use of the post
Despite having capable forwards, UNC’s offense under Banghart often leans perimeter-heavy. Fans often say the team does not feed the post enough or use bigs as playmaking hubs.


• Slow pace
Her Princeton roots emphasize ball movement and spacing, but the pace at UNC has often been slower than expected for ACC play. Some argue this limits transition opportunities and easy scoring.


Roster and Rotation Criticisms
• Short rotations
Banghart frequently plays heavy minutes for starters while giving limited time to bench players. Critics say this contributes to fatigue and limits development of depth.


• Inconsistent lineups
There have been stretches where the rotation seems to shift unpredictably, leading to questions about roles and chemistry.


• Underutilization of certain players
Some talented recruits and transfers have not played major roles, feeding the narrative that Banghart’s system fits a narrower type of player.


In-Game Management Criticisms
• Late‑game execution issues
UNC has lost several close games where late possessions were disorganized, reinforcing concerns about timeout usage and play design under pressure.


• Slow adjustments
Fans often note that it takes too long for UNC to adjust when opponents change defensive looks (zone, traps, switching schemes). This is one of the most frequently mentioned critiques.


• Timeout timing
Some argue she occasionally waits too long to stop runs, especially when momentum swings on the road.


Defensive System Criticisms
• Overreliance on individual defense
UNC typically plays solid man-to-man defense, but there’s criticism that the team doesn’t mix defenses enough to disrupt elite offenses.


• Rebounding lapses
Despite having good athletes and size, UNC has had issues finishing possessions, especially against more physical ACC teams. Critics connect this to boxing‑out discipline and positioning.


Player Development Criticisms
• Guard development inconsistencies
UNC has had talented guards, but fan sentiment is that few have taken major leaps year over year.


• Lack of a true point guard pipeline
This has been a multi-year concern: the offense has often operated without a traditional point guard running the show.


Summary of the Biggest Tactical Criticisms

  1. Offense lacks identity and becomes stagnant.
  2. Late-game execution and adjustments are inconsistent.
  3. Rotations are tight, limiting depth and development.
  4. Offensive schemes do not consistently leverage the team’s size or versatility.
I cant believe I am responding to an AI post, but some of these are clearly wrong, For example, last season UNC was second in the conference in minutes played by reserves and is #1 currently this season.

There are many criticisms here that are certainly valid. Of course, most of this list is what any fanbase would say about their own coach when griping.

More generally, where do you think AI sourced this information? As in where was AI able to mine any in-depth analysis on UNC WBB's style of play over time. My bet is that this is mostly just a regurgitation on what posters have said on this board and 247. You are not going to find much of this type of opinion anywhere else that I can think of.

And finally, you clearly phrased your question to seek the outcome you wanted: criticisms only. This is a pitfall of doing "research" with AI: it is designed to give you the answer your want.
 

ZinfanHeel

Junior
Aug 30, 2025
69
302
53
Keep in mind that this team won 29 games last year, and almost certainly would have won 30+ if everyone had stayed healthy. We played Virginia without Kelly or Ustby. We reached the Sweet 16. Last time I checked that was quality basketball.

Who I wonder was the HC last year?

We played poorly against ND. Hidalgo played great against us - if you don't mind a lot of one-on-one play. There's a reason why someone is a 2X All-ACC and All American.

Team chemistry is a difficult factor to negotiate. Without Ustby or Gakdeng as natural leaders, this current team may still be searching for an identity. Let's give them a few more games to see. Courtney Banghart is not a fool and she can see that there's a problem.
 

kyleheel30

All-Conference
Sep 4, 2019
2,494
4,370
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I will take the "bet" on us losing 10 games or more prior to Selection Sunday.
What makes you think that? The schedule isn't that difficult but the way they playing I dont see them beating dook (who whipped the same ND team that destroyed us) thats 2 losses. NC State is a loss. At VT and UVA is likely a split but could be 2 losses. At GT won't be easy they are playing better. Syracuse will be tricky. Miami will be tough.
 
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SeaPinesHeel

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Aug 23, 2025
763
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What makes you think that? The schedule isn't that difficult but the way they playing I dont see them beating dook (who whipped the same ND team that destroyed us) thats 2 losses. NC State is a loss. At VT and UVA is likely a split but could be 2 losses. At GT won't be easy they are playing better. Syracuse will be tricky. Miami will be tough.
I don't necessarily think the fack is a loss
 
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3397char

All-Conference
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Jun 30, 2025
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What makes you think that? The schedule isn't that difficult but the way they playing I dont see them beating dook (who whipped the same ND team that destroyed us) thats 2 losses. NC State is a loss. At VT and UVA is likely a split but could be 2 losses. At GT won't be easy they are playing better. Syracuse will be tricky. Miami will be tough.
The loss to #23 ND was a disaster in the way that it happened: tough blowout. Not good at all.

But other than that, we have lost to #2 UCLA, #4 UCLA, #11 Louisville in OT, #35 Stanford in OT.

I am not going to redefine what I think this team is based on the last two games (especially the last one.) Could the wheels fall off as you are predicting? Absolutely.

But my eyes tell me this is a top 25 team still and we will play accordingly. I think we have already played the best 3 teams in the ACC this year, though it is really hard to read dook. No I do not think we will sweep the season by any means, but I think the over/under now is 3 more losses in the regular season plus assume 1 more in the ACCT.
 
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HeelOne

Sophomore
Jul 31, 2025
71
148
33
Most of this criticism is fair. The recruiting level CB is at should be resulting in Sweet 16 at a minimum with occasional deeper runs. IMO, this year, as in the recent past, they don’t have that alpha go to player/s to get buckets in the clutch or when things break down. Kelly, Utsby, and Nivar were/are being asked to do that and that’s just not who they are.
I feel like coach needs to turn the young girls loose. Brooks and Henderson need to learn how to swim by being thrown into the deep end. Enjoy the highs and live with the lows this season. When things go off the rails insert the more experienced girls to hopefully settle things. Rinse and repeat.
 

Jriv23

All-Conference
Jul 31, 2025
1,181
1,154
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The last go to player that we had that was just an alpha dog was Diamond Deshields, AG, SS and company. That freshman class under SH had swag (2013), they knew how to play, and they was not afraid of the moment. We have not had a class like that in about 12 years. Before them was Ivory Latta, Erlina Larkins, and company. We have not recruited players like them in a long time.
 

7milesrivals

Redshirt
Mar 24, 2025
18
23
3
I sincerely hope that Harpring doesn't reconsider, especially if things go south during the season. Although she has signed, it wouldn't be the first time someone asked to be released from their LOI. The Harprings seem like a great family who were very careful about Kate's decision, so it's not likely but it concerns me.
Our fan base right now is making it very easy for her to reconsider
 

HeelOne

Sophomore
Jul 31, 2025
71
148
33
I understand the concern here, but this is the farthest thing from my mind. This seasons goals are still within reach. However, Brooks and Henderson need to get major run. Not only are they more dynamic than the ones playing over them, but it’s going to accelerate the development. Next year rolls around and they’ve already seen starter minutes and have been baptized by fire. It’s really strange, how it appears, coach gives some players so much grace and others so little.
I sincerely hope that Harpring doesn't reconsider, especially if things go south during the season. Although she has signed, it wouldn't be the first time someone asked to be released from their LOI. The Harprings seem like a great family who were very careful about Kate's decision, so it's not likely but it concerns me.
 

4theHeels19

Redshirt
Dec 21, 2025
9
31
12
I think this should have been the year for us to win the ACC. The league is down. We are talented and the roster construction is exceptional. This downslide is a dumpster fire. What a pitiful performance at ND after the Standford and Louisville losses at home. No fire in this group. Coach has to be accountable for that. The roster is not being utilized well. 3 PG’s eating so many minutes without producing. I don’t blame CB for that (nobody could have anticipated RK would be this bad), but I would argue that Banghart should adapt better. She’s way too stubborn with her lineup. Nivar should be at the 2, you have options with Brooks, Henderson, Hull at 3. Toomey and Harris have been consistent and are one of the best front courts in the league. Banghart needs to highlight those two more. Toughness (both mental and physical) is lacking with this group. That starts at the top. Banghart has done enough with this program to still have the reigns… she’s earned it with the turnaround she orchestrated, the results, the recruiting. But the rest of this season could put her on the hot seat. This team needs a major shake-up, and needs to compete every game here on out. Will be very interesting to see if Banghart can deliver now.
 

Southern01

Sophomore
Jul 23, 2025
114
121
43
good for you for contributing so much you have sway like that in the AD. I am not in that class.

My instinct is to give her one more year and see what she does with Harpring and what should be a pretty talented surrounding team, but I get that's not a one sided thing
 

tarHeelBeliever

Redshirt
Jan 4, 2026
19
48
13
I cant believe I am responding to an AI post, but some of these are clearly wrong, For example, last season UNC was second in the conference in minutes played by reserves and is #1 currently this season.

There are many criticisms here that are certainly valid. Of course, most of this list is what any fanbase would say about their own coach when griping.

More generally, where do you think AI sourced this information? As in where was AI able to mine any in-depth analysis on UNC WBB's style of play over time. My bet is that this is mostly just a regurgitation on what posters have said on this board and 247. You are not going to find much of this type of opinion anywhere else that I can think of.

And finally, you clearly phrased your question to seek the outcome you wanted: criticisms only. This is a pitfall of doing "research" with AI: it is designed to give you the answer your want.
The human is still needed, to evaluate what AI says. I don't have an agenda - other than I work in AI research. I really would like to get opinions on the perceived validity of each AI bullet point content. I got yours, thanks.
 

bradarb08

Senior
Aug 1, 2025
198
495
63
Genuinely curious: Everyone who is calling for a change at head coach - who are you expecting UNC to hire in her place? Just curious who you think is leaving their current situation to take over our program and will do better than her, knowing that UNC is not going to pay like a lot of people seem to think they are. If I remember correctly, a few years ago she was listed at like No. 25 in highest salary among WBB coaches.
 
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HeelOne

Sophomore
Jul 31, 2025
71
148
33
I’m certainly not calling for a HC change, but that position isn’t above critique. Someone different needs to be brought in to retool this team offensively. Talent acquisition isn’t an issue. Outside of the “name” programs she’s as successful as anyone IMO in that regard. Now the fact that they, year over year, are below average shooting the ball, identifying and taking good shots, turnovers, horrible FT %, and never have an “identity” is unacceptable.
 

NoHighHeels

Freshman
Sep 17, 2025
60
78
18
Fire the football coach. Fire the men’s basketball coach. Fire the women’s basketball coach. Fire the baseball coach. If all else fails just fire everybody. And when the next coach comes, fire them too…

I’m glad my livelihood isn’t in some of y’all’s hands.
Football and Baseball coach can stay. Baseball coach is elite. Football coach hasn't had time to prove anything.

Both basketball coaches have shown they aren't going to win anything big unless a miracle run happens.
 

SeaPinesHeel

All-Conference
Aug 23, 2025
763
1,294
93
We differently need to make a change for a new coach CB can’t get it done . This team needs to learn how to dribble, rebound, layups and free throw also!!!!!!!
Nope! She's the best! just ask everyone on here!!

Way to go Court!
 

bradarb08

Senior
Aug 1, 2025
198
495
63
We differently need to make a change for a new coach CB can’t get it done . This team needs to learn how to dribble, rebound, layups and free throw also!!!!!!!
Feel free to donate a ton of money to UNC with the stipulation you want CB fired and then tell them you’ll bankroll and better coach. Thats the only way it’s happening.
 

fisticuffs

Junior
Jul 30, 2025
122
313
63
Syracuse should have won today’s game in regulation. The BLOB they ran with 7 seconds left is the exact same one they ran just a couple possessions earlier for a layup. We were just lucky their girl blew the layup. That’s not great coaching on CB’s part.
 

Jriv23

All-Conference
Jul 31, 2025
1,181
1,154
113
Sometimes you need a little luck to get a win. We won and that is all that matters. I do not like to make excuses when we win or lose. I just take it the way the balls bounces. I am glad that we won without having fans at this game. Go Heels!
 

3397char

All-Conference
Moderator
Jun 30, 2025
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I will never understand the mindset of only negative things to say after a thrilling victory.

my inclination is to come on the boards to celebrate with fellow fans, but time after time tons of fans only want to vent. It’s such a mood killer, bums me out.

we did some things wrong. But we did more things right than the other team. It really is that simple.
 

bradarb08

Senior
Aug 1, 2025
198
495
63
Just food for thought to save some of your mental health - if you don't want to get on a board to hear people venting and instead just want to celebrate - you don't actually have to click on the topic literally called "Change is Needed." I feel like it's pretty obvious what you're going to read. Just saying. If people want to vent, let them vent. You don't need to admonish or shame people for venting if that's what they feel like they need to do. Just because you don't share their opinions does not mean that they are wrong.

There are a lot of topics on this board that I don't click on for that very reason.
 
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3397char

All-Conference
Moderator
Jun 30, 2025
2,092
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Just food for thought to save some of your mental health - if you don't want to get on a board to hear people venting and instead just want to celebrate - you don't actually have to click on the topic literally called "Change is Needed." I feel like it's pretty obvious what you're going to read. Just saying. If people want to vent, let them vent. You don't need to admonish or shame people for venting if that's what they feel like they need to do. Just because you don't share their opinions does not mean that they are wrong.

There are a lot of topics on this board that I don't click on for that very reason.
The comment was in general to posts on multiple threads. I did not single anyone out. Hopefully that was clear.

I did not admonish or shame anyone. I participated in the conversation by reacting to others opinions. And I never said anyone else was wrong. I said I did not understand the mindset. And how that made me feel. Disagreement is not judgement.

If you or anyone else take offense to what I said then my apologies.
 

Jriv23

All-Conference
Jul 31, 2025
1,181
1,154
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Here is my two cents worth. Posters are entitled to their opinions whether we agree or not. Venting is good. I do not have a problem with it. I will wait to the end of the season to see how the team does before I make any statements about a change in coaching. I will say that CB has been coaching at UNC for at least seven years and she has over 15 years of coaching experience. By now, you would think, she should know the in-game adjustments that she will need to make. I would leave it at that for now.
 

eaglesmgc

Sophomore
Sep 21, 2014
68
103
33
Fire the football coach. Fire the men’s basketball coach. Fire the women’s basketball coach. Fire the baseball coach. If all else fails just fire everybody. And when the next coach comes, fire them too…

I’m glad my livelihood isn’t in some of y’all’s hands.
Agreed!!!
 
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unc80

All-Conference
Nov 1, 2009
791
1,515
93
The program does feel like it's stagnating a bit and possibly under-achieving. I get frustrated watching our team play such low-IQ ball chronically. But I'm not quite ready to fire a coach that's been recruiting well and been to the Sweet 16 twice in the last 4 years. Another great opportunity coming up Monday to get a signature win and get back into the ACC hunt