Despite Bill Belichick's reported $40,000,000 roster, analyst claims expectations still higher on Hubert Davis

Basketball analyst Matt Norlander expressed his thoughts about how the arrival of former NFL coach Bill Belichick could affect Hubert Davis at North Carolina. In a clip posted on Thursday, Norlander discussed how the investment in the football program would not change the level of expectations on Davis.

Norlander also said that Davis will have more pressure to succeed compared to Belichick, despite the lack of financial support for his basketball program.

Norlander added that last season, Davis expressed frustration over lack of consistent backing from UNC’s top-tier boosters.

“I detailed some of this in reporting last season,” Norlander said on Thursday, via "Eyes on College Basketball." “Hubert Davis had grown frustrated with the lack of consistent financial support from a number of high-ranking, ultra-wealthy boosters around Chapel Hill. A lot of their attention and money was going to the football program.”

Norlander then talked about Belichick’s hiring in December. He shared that the football program is reportedly operating with a financial commitment of $40 million or more when factoring in NIL funds, player resources and coaching salaries.

“Then you hire Bill Belichick, and everything that comes with that,” Norlander said. “I believe when you take into account football player support, NIL, and coaching salaries, I believe it’s well north of $40 million, if not $50 million that’s been allotted just for UNC football. Never before has that university and its backers put that much into football.”

Norlander also pointed out the Tar Heels' basketball NIL support increased in a short span. From being undersupported in the eyes of Davis, the program now reportedly commands over $12 million annually.

“So, for UNC’s men’s basketball program to go from 'We’re not getting nearly enough support in this NIL arms race,' to having even a conservative estimate above $10 or $11 million in maybe seven months. Even at $12 or $13 million, that’s a huge win. But yes, it also means they must win. Huge dividends are expected next season.”

Norlander believes that for Davis, the bar is set higher and an NCAA Tournament appearance would not be enough. He also mentioned that the program is expected to wear home whites in the first round, signaling a top four seed.

Hubert Davis lands overseas recruit for UNC

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis added a late piece to his 2025-26 roster, landing the commitment of Montenegrin wing Luka Bogavac. The international standout officially committed to the Tar Heels on May 31, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

Bogavac spent four years playing professionally for SC Derby in the ABA League. Last season, he averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on 45.1% shooting.

The Tar Heels will only have two scholarship players returing from last season: Seth Trimble and James Brown. Zayden High, although not on the roster last season, is reportedly eligible to play.

With Bogavac's commitment, North Carolina's 2025-26 roster includes nine newcomers, forming a rebuilt program with high potential.

UNC also reportedly still holds one remaining scholarship, leaving the door open for another move.