Bears travel to Chapel Hill to open 2025-26 season

CONWAY, Ark. – Central Arkansas will open the 2025-26 season with a visit to the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Monday.

The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the Bears and the storied Tar Heels program.

Entering his second year as coach, John Shulman faces a roster with limited returning experience. Just three players who saw significant minutes are back from last season. Among them is guard Cole McCormick, the only returner to log more than 200 minutes.

The Bears also add valuable contributors in junior guard Javion Guy-King and redshirt freshman guard Ty Robinson, both of whom sat out last season and are expected to play significant roles.

Another familiar face is sophomore guard Camren Hunter, who returns to the program after spending last season at Wisconsin. Hunter previously led UCA in scoring and was a two-time All-ASUN performer.

Shulman’s squad will face a challenging non-conference schedule, anchored by the season opener against one of college basketball’s most tradition-rich programs.

The Tar Heels, guided by coach Hubert Davis, bring a deep, talented roster and entered the season as a preseason top-25 team, picked third in the ACC. Senior guard Seth Trimble and freshman forward Caleb Wilson are among the key contributors for North Carolina.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Radio coverage of the Bears will be available on The Bear 91.3 and Jack 92.7, and live stats will be available online.

Bears aim for growth with limited returnees

With only a handful of players returning with major minutes, the Bears are relying on youth, transfers and the veteran presence of Hunter to provide leadership. McCormick, Guy-King and Robinson will carry added responsibility in the early games.

Hunter’s return gives UCA a known scoring threat. His past achievements for the Bears — ASUN Freshman of the Year, two-time All-ASUN — offer a foundation for the new roster to build around. The infusion of fresh talent and the rigors of the non-conference schedule are designed to prepare UCA for ASUN play later in the season.

Marquee opener against North Carolina

The trip to Chapel Hill presents both challenge and opportunity.

For the Bears, competing against the Tar Heels offers a chance for national exposure and meaningful experience.

North Carolina’s six national championships and deep history will test UCA in multiple ways.

For UCA’s roster, the matchup serves as a measuring stick. Facing a program of North Carolina’s caliber early on can set a tone for the season, clarifying strengths and areas for growth.

The broadcast on the ACC Network and radio outlets also underscores how the game represents a notable moment for the Bears.

Looking ahead within the ASUN

While the focus is on the opener, the Bears are mindful that the bulk of their season lies within the ASUN Conference.

The non-conference stretch, including the opener at North Carolina, is intended as preparation for the league schedule that follows.

Shulman and his staff will lean on this early challenge to help shape cohesion and development.

McCormick, Guy-King and Robinson must develop alongside the newcomers and transfers who are expected to make immediate impact. The learning curve will be steep, but the early exposure against elite competition can accelerate growth.

Key takeaways:

• UCA opens the 2025-26 campaign against North Carolina in Chapel Hill — the first meeting between the programs.

• Limited returning minutes force UCA to lean on newcomers, redshirts and veteran transfers like Camren Hunter.

• The matchup offers exposure and experience that could shape the Bears’ readiness for ASUN conference play.