When new UNC men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis took the microphone at center court of the Dean Smith Center, he had to wait for an extended standing ovation to die down. Clearly emotional, Davis finally found time to speak.

“This is where I want to be,” he told the crowd of Carolina fans. “I’m your new head coach.”

That line led to yet another ovation.

Davis was at center stage during the UNC basketball program’s annual “Late Night” celebration, which marks the unofficial start of the season. The event was emceed by UNC fan Brian McLaughlin, better known as “BDAHT” on Twitter. McLaughlin let the coaches and players drive the event, but also used his time to pay tribute to former Late Night host and UNC alumnus Stuart Scott, who passed away from cancer in 2015. McLaughlin described Scott as one of his inspirations for wanting to host Late Night.

“Representation matters,” McLaughlin said, before paying tribute to all cancer survivors in attendance.

The women’s basketball team was also introduced to the fans, with head coach Courtney Banghart also receiving a standing ovation.

In addition to welcoming back the fans, Banghart told them, “This is Carolina basketball.”

After introducing the Tar Heel men, the Smith Center played an extended video to honor Davis, featuring former co-workers and players congratulating him and wishing him the best of luck as head coach. Among the tributes which received the loudest cheers: Luke Maye, Cam Johnson and of course, Roy Williams.

During the actual play on the court, the duo of Eva Hodgson from the women’s basketball team and Kerwin Walton from the men’s team won the three-point shootout by knocking down 23 three-pointers in 30 seconds.

Armando Bacot and Caleb Love led all players with 18 points during the men’s “Blue-White” scrimmage which concluded the evening. Bacot made eight of 11 shots and even knocked down a three-pointer of his own, lending evidence to Hubert Davis’ claim that Bacot had made 1,000 three-pointers every week during the summer. R.J. Davis hit three three-pointers and scored 14 points for the White team. The Blue team took the first-to-60 scrimmage by a 60-45 score.

The men’s team will play an exhibition game on November 5 against Elizabeth City State before opening up their season against Loyola on November 9. The women’s team will also open November 9 against North Carolina A&T.

 

Featured image via Carolina Athletics

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