The University of Central Arkansas Bears men’s basketball team will begin their 2025-26 season with a game against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill on November 3. This will be the first time the Bears have played against UNC, a program known for its long history and six national championships.
Head Coach John Shulman enters his second year leading the Bears. The team has only three returning players who had significant playing time last season. Cole McCormick is the only returner who played more than 200 minutes. Javion Guy-King and Ty Robinson are also back after sitting out last year and are expected to play important roles. Camren Hunter returns to UCA after spending last season at Wisconsin; he was previously named ASUN Freshman of the Year and twice selected as an All-ASUN performer during his earlier seasons with the Bears.
The roster this year includes both freshmen and transfer players who are anticipated to contribute immediately. The team faces a challenging non-conference schedule before starting ASUN conference play later in the season.
Coach Shulman commented on the opportunity: “Facing the Tar Heels offers UCA a marquee opportunity to gain experience and exposure. They will compete against one of the sport’s most tradition-rich programs.”
North Carolina, led by Head Coach Hubert Davis, is ranked in the preseason top 25 and is predicted to finish third in the ACC. Their lineup features senior guard Seth Trimble and freshman forward Caleb Wilson.
The game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT at Dean E. Smith Center and will be broadcast live on ACC Network, The Bear 91.3, Jack 92.7, with live stats available online.
