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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

UNC’s title defense, Zags’ follow-up top 2017-18 story lines

North Carolina's Theo Pinson (1) and Tony Bradley (5) reach for a rebound during the second half in the finals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Steppig, Pool)
North Carolina's Theo Pinson (1) and Tony Bradley (5) reach for a rebound during the second half in the finals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Steppig, Pool)

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – The 2016-17 season is over, with North Carolina holding off Gonzaga to win the national championship for the program’s sixth NCAA title.

The win for the Tar Heels wrapped up the season’s biggest story line: How North Carolina would bounce back from a buzzer-beating loss in last year’s finale.

Let’s take an early look at some of the threads to watch leading into next season. March Madness set up preludes to next season for numerous programs, players and coaches:

TAR HEELS’ RESPONSE, AGAIN

The key question for the 2017-18 Tar Heels as they follow this year’s run is how different the team will look.