Rodd Baxley
@roddbaxley.bsky.social
Sports writer | Basketball Jones | Covering North Carolina for fayobserver.com and the USA TODAY Network | USBWA
Breaking down two areas that could determine the winner between UNC basketball and Duke at the Smith Center. Going beyond the battle of the bigs and 3-point shooting …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC basketball vs Duke: Two keys for Tar Heels to win rivalry game against Blue Devils
UNC basketball faces Duke at the Smith Center. Here are two key factors that could decide the outcome on Roy Williams Court.
www.fayobserver.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Breaking down two areas that could determine the winner between UNC basketball and Duke at the Smith Center. Going beyond the battle of the bigs and 3-point shooting …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Closing in on UNC vs. Duke at the Smith Center.
Preview, Prediction, Players to Watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
X-Factors: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson on the rivalry: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Hubert Davis on Duke: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview, Prediction, Players to Watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
X-Factors: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson on the rivalry: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Hubert Davis on Duke: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Duke basketball vs UNC key matchups, predictions and what to watch
Ahead of Duke basketball vs UNC, the Fayetteville Observer's Rodd Baxley and Anna Snyder break down the contest.
www.fayobserver.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:24 AM
Closing in on UNC vs. Duke at the Smith Center.
Preview, Prediction, Players to Watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
X-Factors: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson on the rivalry: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Hubert Davis on Duke: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview, Prediction, Players to Watch: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
X-Factors: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson on the rivalry: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Hubert Davis on Duke: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson was at the Smith Center when the Tar Heels beat Duke in 2024. Wilson had to watch as the Blue Devils swept UNC in 2025. It’s been nearly 700 days since the last win in the rivalry.
Here’s what he said about it
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Here’s what he said about it
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
February 5, 2026 at 9:47 PM
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson was at the Smith Center when the Tar Heels beat Duke in 2024. Wilson had to watch as the Blue Devils swept UNC in 2025. It’s been nearly 700 days since the last win in the rivalry.
Here’s what he said about it
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Here’s what he said about it
Story: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Quick 15-minute preview of UNC vs. Duke basketball Round 1 with Anna Snyder. Some players to watch, key stats and predictions ...
www.fayobserver.com/videos/sport...
www.fayobserver.com/videos/sport...
UNC vs Duke basketball preview, players to watch, prediction video
UNC writer Rodd Baxley and Duke writer Anna Snyder of the USA TODAY Sports Network, give their breakdown, predictions for UNC basketball vs. Duke.
www.fayobserver.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Quick 15-minute preview of UNC vs. Duke basketball Round 1 with Anna Snyder. Some players to watch, key stats and predictions ...
www.fayobserver.com/videos/sport...
www.fayobserver.com/videos/sport...
How Caleb Wilson can reach even greater heights for UNC basketball, NBA future … starting with the Duke game
Let’s talk about it, with thoughts from Wilson and Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Let’s talk about it, with thoughts from Wilson and Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
How Caleb Wilson can reach even greater heights for UNC basketball, NBA future
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson is already a star, but his continued growth in one area could elevate the Tar Heels and his NBA Draft stock.
www.fayobserver.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:36 PM
How Caleb Wilson can reach even greater heights for UNC basketball, NBA future … starting with the Duke game
Let’s talk about it, with thoughts from Wilson and Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Let’s talk about it, with thoughts from Wilson and Hubert Davis
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Elite playmaking performance from Quadir Copeland and N.C. State basketball remains undefeated on the road in the ACC. The Wolfpack is guaranteed a winning record on the road for the first time in 14 years (that team made the Sweet 16).
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Quadir Copeland thrives on road hostility with elite game for NC State basketball at SMU
N.C. State basketball is on an impressive road run, with Quadir Copeland powering the latest win against the Ponies in Dallas.
www.fayobserver.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Elite playmaking performance from Quadir Copeland and N.C. State basketball remains undefeated on the road in the ACC. The Wolfpack is guaranteed a winning record on the road for the first time in 14 years (that team made the Sweet 16).
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On UNC basketball's troubling trend with maintaining big leads against so-so competition. The Tar Heels had another one of those "unacceptable" stretches in their win against Syracuse:
Some stats and thoughts from Hubert Davis ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Some stats and thoughts from Hubert Davis ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Hubert Davis says UNC basketball failure to finish in win vs Syracuse was 'unacceptable'
UNC basketball has experienced some problems with keeping big leads. Here's what Hubert Davis said about the issue.
www.fayobserver.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:21 PM
On UNC basketball's troubling trend with maintaining big leads against so-so competition. The Tar Heels had another one of those "unacceptable" stretches in their win against Syracuse:
Some stats and thoughts from Hubert Davis ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Some stats and thoughts from Hubert Davis ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
First look at UNC basketball vs Duke, with thoughts from three of the Tar Heels' newcomers, including Caleb Wilson ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
What Caleb Wilson, UNC basketball players said about Duke rivalry
UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson and two more newcomers were asked about the Tar Heels' upcoming game against Duke. Here's what they said.
www.fayobserver.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:20 PM
First look at UNC basketball vs Duke, with thoughts from three of the Tar Heels' newcomers, including Caleb Wilson ...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
A winter storm shifted my plans for a 2nd straight weekend, so it’ll be recliner coverage for UNC-Georgia Tech
Preview: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson’s 2nd homecoming game in Atlanta, w/ thoughts from Damon Stoudamire and Hubert Davis: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson’s 2nd homecoming game in Atlanta, w/ thoughts from Damon Stoudamire and Hubert Davis: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 31, 2026 at 3:49 PM
A winter storm shifted my plans for a 2nd straight weekend, so it’ll be recliner coverage for UNC-Georgia Tech
Preview: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson’s 2nd homecoming game in Atlanta, w/ thoughts from Damon Stoudamire and Hubert Davis: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Preview: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Caleb Wilson’s 2nd homecoming game in Atlanta, w/ thoughts from Damon Stoudamire and Hubert Davis: www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Some Drake Maye content from UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis before the Tar Heels head to Georgia Tech.
On how Davis used a clip of the New England Patriots QB, who will be playing in the #SuperBowl, to motivate his team:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On how Davis used a clip of the New England Patriots QB, who will be playing in the #SuperBowl, to motivate his team:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 30, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Some Drake Maye content from UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis before the Tar Heels head to Georgia Tech.
On how Davis used a clip of the New England Patriots QB, who will be playing in the #SuperBowl, to motivate his team:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On how Davis used a clip of the New England Patriots QB, who will be playing in the #SuperBowl, to motivate his team:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Breaking down UNC basketball through 20 games in the Tar Heels’ fifth season under coach Hubert Davis, comparing it to the other four seasons.
A look at the solid and shaky stats …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
A look at the solid and shaky stats …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 28, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Breaking down UNC basketball through 20 games in the Tar Heels’ fifth season under coach Hubert Davis, comparing it to the other four seasons.
A look at the solid and shaky stats …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
A look at the solid and shaky stats …
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
“Ah, Rodd, man, you’re just gonna rub it in my face he’s coming home to play.” - Georgia Tech coach Damon Stoudamire on UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson returning to Atlanta this weekend to play the Yellow Jackets.
Full thoughts on Wilson:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Full thoughts on Wilson:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 27, 2026 at 4:10 PM
“Ah, Rodd, man, you’re just gonna rub it in my face he’s coming home to play.” - Georgia Tech coach Damon Stoudamire on UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson returning to Atlanta this weekend to play the Yellow Jackets.
Full thoughts on Wilson:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Full thoughts on Wilson:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Jarin Stevenson has provided some big moments for UNC basketball (offensive rebound at Kentucky, steal vs. Ohio State). He made some big shots at Virginia.
On what provided the push for Stevenson’s shooting show in the comeback win against the Hoos:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On what provided the push for Stevenson’s shooting show in the comeback win against the Hoos:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 24, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Jarin Stevenson has provided some big moments for UNC basketball (offensive rebound at Kentucky, steal vs. Ohio State). He made some big shots at Virginia.
On what provided the push for Stevenson’s shooting show in the comeback win against the Hoos:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
On what provided the push for Stevenson’s shooting show in the comeback win against the Hoos:
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
Here's what stood out in UNC basketball's "unbelievable" comeback win at Virginia, highlighting three keys in the Tar Heels' top-15 road victory
It was the largest comeback for an opponent at John Paul Jones Arena. Big win for Hubert Davis & Co.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
It was the largest comeback for an opponent at John Paul Jones Arena. Big win for Hubert Davis & Co.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
January 24, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Here's what stood out in UNC basketball's "unbelievable" comeback win at Virginia, highlighting three keys in the Tar Heels' top-15 road victory
It was the largest comeback for an opponent at John Paul Jones Arena. Big win for Hubert Davis & Co.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
It was the largest comeback for an opponent at John Paul Jones Arena. Big win for Hubert Davis & Co.
www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...
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...