Rodd Baxley
@roddbaxley.bsky.social
Sports writer | Basketball Jones | Covering North Carolina for fayobserver.com and the USA TODAY Network | USBWA
Back door, front door, side door, screen door, windows or chimney, I don’t care how the Panthers got in the playoffs.
We’re in there, baby! #KeepPounding
We’re in there, baby! #KeepPounding
January 4, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Back door, front door, side door, screen door, windows or chimney, I don’t care how the Panthers got in the playoffs.
We’re in there, baby! #KeepPounding
We’re in there, baby! #KeepPounding
Kyan Evans made a season-high five 3-pointers in UNC basketball's win vs. Florida State.
Asked Evans how he used the eight-day break to reflect and recalibrate before the Tar Heels started ACC play
Here's what he said:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Asked Evans how he used the eight-day break to reflect and recalibrate before the Tar Heels started ACC play
Here's what he said:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 31, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Kyan Evans made a season-high five 3-pointers in UNC basketball's win vs. Florida State.
Asked Evans how he used the eight-day break to reflect and recalibrate before the Tar Heels started ACC play
Here's what he said:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Asked Evans how he used the eight-day break to reflect and recalibrate before the Tar Heels started ACC play
Here's what he said:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC basketball had 12 dunks vs. Florida State, including nine in the second half and six in a massive five-minute flurry from Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.
"Those are momentum plays. It’s kind of defeating for their team."
On two defining dunks
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
"Those are momentum plays. It’s kind of defeating for their team."
On two defining dunks
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM
UNC basketball had 12 dunks vs. Florida State, including nine in the second half and six in a massive five-minute flurry from Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.
"Those are momentum plays. It’s kind of defeating for their team."
On two defining dunks
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
"Those are momentum plays. It’s kind of defeating for their team."
On two defining dunks
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Elijah Davis gives Hubert Davis, UNC basketball 'good Christmas gift' in ECU win
On an unforgettable night at the Smith Center for the Tar Heels’ father-son duo
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On an unforgettable night at the Smith Center for the Tar Heels’ father-son duo
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Elijah Davis gives Hubert Davis, UNC basketball 'good Christmas gift' in ECU win
On an unforgettable night at the Smith Center for the Tar Heels’ father-son duo
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On an unforgettable night at the Smith Center for the Tar Heels’ father-son duo
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson wanted to 'put on a show' in Atlanta, and he did it vs Ohio State
On his homecoming performance in his first (official) game at an NBA arena.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On his homecoming performance in his first (official) game at an NBA arena.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 21, 2025 at 8:10 PM
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson wanted to 'put on a show' in Atlanta, and he did it vs Ohio State
On his homecoming performance in his first (official) game at an NBA arena.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On his homecoming performance in his first (official) game at an NBA arena.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Asked Seth Trimble about the improved 3-point shooting after he missed his first seven shots from 3-point range to start the season.
On the fix Trimble found with Marcus Paige that helped the veteran match his career-best effort from beyond the arc:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On the fix Trimble found with Marcus Paige that helped the veteran match his career-best effort from beyond the arc:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Seth Trimble returns for UNC basketball, shows no sign of slowing down
Following an absence because of an injury, senior Seth Trimble returned for UNC basketball vs. Ohio State. Here are three things that stood out.
www.fayobserver.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Asked Seth Trimble about the improved 3-point shooting after he missed his first seven shots from 3-point range to start the season.
On the fix Trimble found with Marcus Paige that helped the veteran match his career-best effort from beyond the arc:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On the fix Trimble found with Marcus Paige that helped the veteran match his career-best effort from beyond the arc:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Seth Trimble returns for UNC basketball, shows no sign of slowing down in win vs. Ohio State
On what stood out for the Tar Heels’ senior leader in his first game since Nov. 7, highlighting three areas of emphasis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On what stood out for the Tar Heels’ senior leader in his first game since Nov. 7, highlighting three areas of emphasis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 21, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Seth Trimble returns for UNC basketball, shows no sign of slowing down in win vs. Ohio State
On what stood out for the Tar Heels’ senior leader in his first game since Nov. 7, highlighting three areas of emphasis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On what stood out for the Tar Heels’ senior leader in his first game since Nov. 7, highlighting three areas of emphasis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
A breakdown of the three winning plays in UNC basketball's 34-second sequence at the end of the Tar Heels' win against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 21, 2025 at 1:20 AM
A breakdown of the three winning plays in UNC basketball's 34-second sequence at the end of the Tar Heels' win against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC basketball and Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena.
Preview, prediction, players to watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
What Seth Trimble’s return means for UNC: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview, prediction, players to watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
What Seth Trimble’s return means for UNC: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 20, 2025 at 2:19 PM
UNC basketball and Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena.
Preview, prediction, players to watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
What Seth Trimble’s return means for UNC: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview, prediction, players to watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
What Seth Trimble’s return means for UNC: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
A quick breakdown of what Seth Trimble's return means for UNC basketball vs. Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
A quick breakdown of what Seth Trimble's return means for UNC basketball vs. Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Officially official from UNC:
Senior guard Seth Trimble is medically cleared and is expected to play on Saturday when the Tar Heels square off against Ohio State in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic (3 p.m., CBS).
Senior guard Seth Trimble is medically cleared and is expected to play on Saturday when the Tar Heels square off against Ohio State in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic (3 p.m., CBS).
December 19, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Officially official from UNC:
Senior guard Seth Trimble is medically cleared and is expected to play on Saturday when the Tar Heels square off against Ohio State in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic (3 p.m., CBS).
Senior guard Seth Trimble is medically cleared and is expected to play on Saturday when the Tar Heels square off against Ohio State in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic (3 p.m., CBS).
N.C. State basketball's Paul McNeil had a net-shredding performance for the Wolfpack at Reynolds Coliseum.
The Rockingham native, who had 71 points at Richmond Senior High School for an NCHSAA single-game record, dropped 47 points vs. Texas Southern
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
The Rockingham native, who had 71 points at Richmond Senior High School for an NCHSAA single-game record, dropped 47 points vs. Texas Southern
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 18, 2025 at 2:42 AM
N.C. State basketball's Paul McNeil had a net-shredding performance for the Wolfpack at Reynolds Coliseum.
The Rockingham native, who had 71 points at Richmond Senior High School for an NCHSAA single-game record, dropped 47 points vs. Texas Southern
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
The Rockingham native, who had 71 points at Richmond Senior High School for an NCHSAA single-game record, dropped 47 points vs. Texas Southern
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On Henri Veesaar’s career night and why it didn’t surprise Hubert Davis. The efficiency put the performance among the top-five marks in the 40-year history of the Smith Center. With thoughts from Veesaar, Hubert Davis, Caleb Wilson and Kyan Evans
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
On Henri Veesaar’s career night and why it didn’t surprise Hubert Davis. The efficiency put the performance among the top-five marks in the 40-year history of the Smith Center. With thoughts from Veesaar, Hubert Davis, Caleb Wilson and Kyan Evans
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
#UNC basketball and Georgia have agreed to a home-and-home series
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 16, 2025 at 7:36 PM
#UNC basketball and Georgia have agreed to a home-and-home series
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Good news for UNC basketball. Senior captain Seth Trimble has returned to 5-on-5 practice with the Tar Heels, UNC coach Hubert Davis said Monday during his weekly radio show.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 16, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Good news for UNC basketball. Senior captain Seth Trimble has returned to 5-on-5 practice with the Tar Heels, UNC coach Hubert Davis said Monday during his weekly radio show.
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
#UNC basketball moved up in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll. A look at the Tar Heels' rankings across several national polls and analytics sites:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
#UNC basketball moved up in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll. A look at the Tar Heels' rankings across several national polls and analytics sites:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
10 thoughts on UNC basketball through 10 games for the Tar Heels in the 2025-26 season
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 15, 2025 at 3:29 PM
10 thoughts on UNC basketball through 10 games for the Tar Heels in the 2025-26 season
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Jonathan Powell told us in the preseason about his jersey-ripping competitiveness. He provided that passion, a career high in points and another solid defensive effort for #UNC in a game that produced a lot of “bejeebies” from a fired-up Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Jonathan Powell told us in the preseason about his jersey-ripping competitiveness. He provided that passion, a career high in points and another solid defensive effort for #UNC in a game that produced a lot of “bejeebies” from a fired-up Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Following UNC basketball's win against USC Upstate, freshman Caleb Wilson said he's been dealing with a foot injury. The latest:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 13, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Following UNC basketball's win against USC Upstate, freshman Caleb Wilson said he's been dealing with a foot injury. The latest:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Big opportunity for N.C. State basketball, which hosts Kansas this evening in Raleigh. Some keys for the Wolfpack to pull off the upset:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
How NC State basketball can upset Darryn Peterson, Kansas
N.C. State basketball has a huge opportunity against No. 19 Kansas at Lenovo Center. Here are three keys for the Wolfpack to pull off the upset.
www.fayobserver.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Big opportunity for N.C. State basketball, which hosts Kansas this evening in Raleigh. Some keys for the Wolfpack to pull off the upset:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Bill Belichick, UNC football announce changes to coaching staff ahead of 2026 season
Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator) will not return
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator) will not return
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC football signing day recap: Recruiting rankings, best players in 2026 class
Here's a breakdown of UNC football's 2026 recruiting class. Follow live updates as players choose the Tar Heels during the early signing period.
www.fayobserver.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Bill Belichick, UNC football announce changes to coaching staff ahead of 2026 season
Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator) will not return
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator) will not return
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Cam Boozer and Duke basketball are powering through a tough schedule as the top team in the ACC.
Today, the ACC has 8 teams among the top 40 in the NET rankings. That number was at 3 on this date last year.
ACC Power Rankings:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Today, the ACC has 8 teams among the top 40 in the NET rankings. That number was at 3 on this date last year.
ACC Power Rankings:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Cam Boozer and Duke basketball are powering through a tough schedule as the top team in the ACC.
Today, the ACC has 8 teams among the top 40 in the NET rankings. That number was at 3 on this date last year.
ACC Power Rankings:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Today, the ACC has 8 teams among the top 40 in the NET rankings. That number was at 3 on this date last year.
ACC Power Rankings:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar have a shot at doing something for UNC basketball that hasn't been done in 65 years.
On the hot start for the Tar Heels' frontcourt + stats + thoughts from Wilson, Veesaar and Hubert Davis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On the hot start for the Tar Heels' frontcourt + stats + thoughts from Wilson, Veesaar and Hubert Davis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
December 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar have a shot at doing something for UNC basketball that hasn't been done in 65 years.
On the hot start for the Tar Heels' frontcourt + stats + thoughts from Wilson, Veesaar and Hubert Davis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On the hot start for the Tar Heels' frontcourt + stats + thoughts from Wilson, Veesaar and Hubert Davis
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
