Team per game averages through the end of December.
| 2007-08 UNC | 2008-09 UNC | 2007-08 Opp. | 2008-09 Opp | |
| Games | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| FGM | 33.0 | 34.2 | 25.9 | 25.0 |
| FGA | 65.6 | 66.8 | 63.4 | 62.8 |
| FG% | 50.3% | 51.1% | 40.9% | 39.8% |
| 3PM | 5.8 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 6.5 |
| 3PA | 15.4 | 18.5 | 22.1 | 20.2 |
| 3P% | 37.7% | 38.2% | 32.4% | 31.9% |
| FTM | 20.4 | 19.5 | 9.6 | 11.9 |
| FTA | 27.7 | 26.5 | 14.1 | 17.5 |
| FT% | 73.7% | 73.3% | 68.0% | 68.3% |
| REBS | 41.2 | 38.7 | 29.1 | 30.6 |
| OR | 13.9 | 12.8 | 9.7 | 10.4 |
| DR | 27.4 | 25.9 | 19.4 | 20.2 |
| A | 17.4 | 20.6 | 11.9 | 14.3 |
| STL | 10.1 | 10.9 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| BLK | 4.6 | 5.8 | 4.6 | 3.8 |
| TO | 14.5 | 13.2 | 18.4 | 19.4 |
| PF | 15.3 | 17.2 | 21.2 | 21.4 |
| POINTS | 92.2 | 93.2 | 68.6 | 68.4 |
Actually there is not much difference between what UNC did last season through the end of December and what they are doing now. There are minor improvements in certain areas such as opposing teams shooting about 1% lower against the Heels. Since both FGA and 3PA are lower along with the percentages it basically means opposing teams are not only shooting less often but shooting worse at the same time. That is likely explained by the increase in opposing teams turnovers by one per game. Opposing teams are rebounding slightly better versus the Heels.
On the offensive side, UNC is shooting the ball slightly better, averaging about a point more per game and illustrating greater unselfishness with three more assists per game than last season. The two main concerns are the fact UNC is rebounding worse than a year ago. The Heels are averaging 2.5 fewer rebounds than a year ago. The Heels are also fouling more often which is something Roy expressed concern about after the Nevada game.
Stats do not tell the whole story, but as Roy said they give you information. I will keep tracking them to see how they progress as the season goes.
