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Rodd Baxley

@roddbaxley.bsky.social

Sports writer | Basketball Jones | Covering North Carolina for fayobserver.com and the USA TODAY Network | USBWA

419 Followers  |  150 Following  |  687 Posts  |  Joined: 07.12.2023
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Posts by Rodd Baxley (@roddbaxley.bsky.social)

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Henri Veesaar injury update: Will UNC basketball center play vs NC State? UNC basketball center Henri Veesaar was out in the Tar Heels' win against Pitt. Here are the latest updates on his status for the N.C. State game.

Latest Henri Veesaar injury update ahead of UNC basketball vs. N.C. State

www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...

16.02.2026 15:31 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

07.02.2026 13:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

07.02.2026 00:24 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

05.02.2026 21:47 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

05.02.2026 15:12 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

04.02.2026 22:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

04.02.2026 15:24 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

03.02.2026 14:21 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

First look at UNC basketball vs Duke, with thoughts from three of the Tar Heels' newcomers, including Caleb Wilson ...

www.fayobserver.com/story/sports...

03.02.2026 14:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

31.01.2026 15:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

30.01.2026 19:49 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

28.01.2026 11:51 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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β€œAh, 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...

27.01.2026 16:10 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

24.01.2026 22:20 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

24.01.2026 21:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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

04.01.2026 21:19 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

31.12.2025 18:27 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

31.12.2025 16:16 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

23.12.2025 16:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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STAND AND CHEER

21.12.2025 21:25 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

21.12.2025 20:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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.

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...

21.12.2025 13:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

21.12.2025 03:30 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

21.12.2025 01:19 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

20.12.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

19.12.2025 22:16 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

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).

19.12.2025 21:13 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Paul McNeil was so, so close to getting that 50-piece nugget. Only two N.C. State players have reached that mark: Ronnie Shavlik (55 pts vs. William & Mary in 1954) and David Thompson (57 pts vs. Buffalo St. in 1974).

18.12.2025 02:57 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

McNeil vs. Texas Southern: 11 3-pointers

McNeil in the previous eight games: 11 3-pointers

Shooters, man

18.12.2025 02:57 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

18.12.2025 02:41 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0