Akot, Brooks to rep UNC at ACC Tipoff

[BenSherman]

UNC press release

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The countdown is on for the 2026-27 campaign in North Carolina women’s basketball, with the Atlantic Coast Conference announcing attendees for the 2026 ACC Tipoff on Oct. 5, featuring Achol Akot and Nyla Brooks joining head coach Courtney Banghart in Charlotte.
Showing her spark off the bench in her rookie campaign, Brooks impressed across the board with 8.6 points per game and 63 total triples on 37.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
Posting 18 games in double-figure scoring, Brooks made her presence known from deep by leading the ACC among freshmen with 1.75 threes per game. Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-ACC Freshman team, the fourth rookie Tar Heel to do so in the Banghart era.
Akot is set to don Carolina Blue after spending one season at Oklahoma State, becoming one of the most efficient players from the floor in the Big 12. Starting in all 34 games for the Cowgirls, Akot picked up Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades after shooting 63.3% from the floor to rank second in the league.
As a junior, the Canadian posted 21 games in double-figure scoring and six games with 20 or more points. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Akot scored a career-high 28 points in the win over Princeton.
Entering year eight in Chapel Hill, Banghart and co. are coming off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and their third in the last five seasons. Touted as the No. 9 team in the nation in ESPN’s Way Too Early Top 25, Carolina brings back eight from last season’s squad while welcoming six newcomers to the fold in four experienced transfers and two highly touted freshmen.
North Carolina begins the 2026-27 campaign with two marquee matchups, first traveling to Paris, France to take on Oklahoma in the 2026 Oui Play on Nov. 2. The Tar Heels then return to the States on Nov. 8, facing off against South Carolina in Charlotte for the Ally Tipoff.
Fans have the chance to catch Carolina in action in preseason play, with an exhibition against Davidson on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. ET from Carmichael Arena.
2026 ACC Tipoff gets underway at 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 5, with Banghart, Brooks, and Toomey set to talk all things Tar Heel to preview the 2026-27 season.

 

[kystroup]

Love Brooks being the face of the program. Expecting big things from her and Akot

 

[3397char]

a sophomore and an incoming transfer. Interesting.

That probably is the closest we will get to confirmation that these two will be game 1 starters.

 

[Jriv23]

a sophomore and an incoming transfer. Interesting.

That probably is the closest we will get to confirmation that these two will be game 1 starters.

Also, we do not know if it was a class schedule conflict and those two schedules aloud them to represent UNC. I do not see a problem with them going. I do not think it is interesting at all. We do not have all of the facts, like how does CB chose who will go, Does the ACC have certain criteria for schools to select those that are coming, etc.

 

[3397char]

Also, we do not know if it was a class schedule conflict and those two schedules aloud them to represent UNC. I do not see a problem with them going. I do not think it is interesting at all. We do not have all of the facts, like how does CB chose who will go, Does the ACC have certain criteria for schools to select those that are coming, etc.

good point on scheduling And coach’s selection criteria.

But If Akot or Brooks did not start, I believe it would be the first time ever we took a game 1 non-starter to the ACC tip-off.

 

[tarboy]

JMO: PG Kate,2G Reniya/Clardy/Burrows , 3F Nyla B,4F Akot, 5C Toomey. Take your pick at 2G

 

[nicheel]

JMO: PG Kate,2G Reniya/Clardy/Burrows , 3F Nyla B,4F Akot, 5C Toomey. Take your pick at 2G

Is that your 'top seven" rotation. I jest. Got to have somebody to be a center when Toomey sits. Toomey's significant potential ( anticipated, IMO not yet achieved) would be onumental for this team. In Brooks and Harpring there is potential for super performance. Add Akot potential and we might have a chance to challenge, high ceiling. BUT ....... all on paper, or in the air waves.
I been wishing, and hoping, and praying (Dusty Springfield?) since Sylvia got that title. When hired, she early-on showed up at my business in advanced pregnancy state to push the ball, that impressed me. Ups and downs. Sometimes I cared, often not. Mostly I focused on the men, did not care re wbb. To me wbb got to be good or I do not care/focus. The focus on men's program has been rewarding since enrollment in 1965. Dean evolution and explosion as the BEST right in front of me here in CH. Great decades.
IMO the women's game usually comes down to quickness, intensity, execution of a good plan. The significance of a very large center seems to come into play only when you reach that final four or so (last couple seasons). Toomey emergence could carry the team up near the top. Rebounds, inside defense, inside offense? Likelihood Toomey remains for a 5th year next?

 

[tarboy]

Nic that is my top 7 JMO. #8 maybe Thomas or Bofia, possibly Taissa Q whoever wins the job.
Taissa Q will also most likely see time at the 4 behind Akot who I think will start there or maybe that will be Burrows who is 6'2 and has an all around game.

I think we could be a solid 10/11 deep.

Laila Hull might win a big role with her shooting ability from the wing.

I have no spies in practice but I think we might see Akot play some at the 5 if
that puts the best lineup on the court to win a game. JMO. CB says she has great low post scoring ability.

I am hoping a stronger Ciera has a great year. 2nd full year playing in the low post she could take a big step up on top of a good season last year.

 

[6string]

Nic that is my top 7 JMO. #8 maybe Thomas or Bofia, possibly Taissa Q whoever wins the job.
Taissa Q will also most likely see time at the 4 behind Akot who I think will start there or maybe that will be Burrows who is 6'2 and has an all around game.

I think we could be a solid 10/11 deep.

Laila Hull might win a big role with her shooting ability from the wing.

I have no spies in practice but I think we might see Akot play some at the 5 if
that puts the best lineup on the court to win a game. JMO. CB says she has great low post scoring ability.

I am hoping a stronger Ciera has a great year. 2nd full year playing in the low post she could take a big step up on top of a good season last year.

Just my opinion, this is really going to be a test for CB to keep everyone happy. We’ve got a lot of players who could get major minutes but there are only so many minutes available. It‘s not a bad problem to have but it will test her team building skills.

 

[kystroup]

Just my opinion, this is really going to be a test for CB to keep everyone happy. We’ve got a lot of players who could get major minutes but there are only so many minutes available. It‘s not a bad problem to have but it will test her team building skills.

I mean inevitably somebody is going to transfer out. Who would have ever expected Lanie to be gone a year ago?

I’d bet that there will also be a player who gets limited time but looks great during it (Henderson last year) that we’ll be begging CB to give more minutes. My prediction for that would be Bofia or White

 

[tarboy]

A team with lots of athletic depth can use it to pressure hard, and run the court hard. Maybe that is what we will see CB do.

I could see a player like Bofia who can dunk the ball being the low post defender rebounding and blocking shots surrounded by great 6'1 athletes and a dominate PG like Kate. I call that my dream team.

 

[3397char]

Just my opinion, this is really going to be a test for CB to keep everyone happy. We’ve got a lot of players who could get major minutes but there are only so many minutes available. It‘s not a bad problem to have but it will test her team building skills.

Agree that there are not enough minutes for the caliber of our roster depth.

But the counterpoint to keeping everyone happy is: play the best at the optimum number of minutes in terms of energy and effectiveness. If those that do not get what they want then leave, then how big of an issue is that really? Do you have to keep everyone happy, or do you just play who earns it?

It stinks when a true freshman with real potential like Taliyah Henderson leaves after year 1. That is mainly on them, though, for not realizing that their position would clear up after the season thanks to graduation and other transfers. The only freshman on this team that would be at risk of that is Bofia, assuming she shows real potential but cannot really break into the rotation fully.

And it stinks when a starter like Lanie Grant leaves at any time. But that has nothing to do with her not getting enough PT; she lead the team in PT.

But if a 3rd or 4th year player on this team cannot crack the main rotation, how much harm is caused if they are unhappy and then leave? Does UConn worry much who transfers out, or do they like having space for yet another top recruiting class?

 

[Jriv23]

Is that your 'top seven" rotation. I jest. Got to have somebody to be a center when Toomey sits. Toomey's significant potential ( anticipated, IMO not yet achieved) would be onumental for this team. In Brooks and Harpring there is potential for super performance. Add Akot potential and we might have a chance to challenge, high ceiling. BUT ....... all on paper, or in the air waves.
I been wishing, and hoping, and praying (Dusty Springfield?) since Sylvia got that title. When hired, she early-on showed up at my business in advanced pregnancy state to push the ball, that impressed me. Ups and downs. Sometimes I cared, often not. Mostly I focused on the men, did not care re wbb. To me wbb got to be good or I do not care/focus. The focus on men's program has been rewarding since enrollment in 1965. Dean evolution and explosion as the BEST right in front of me here in CH. Great decades.
IMO the women's game usually comes down to quickness, intensity, execution of a good plan. The significance of a very large center seems to come into play only when you reach that final four or so (last couple seasons). Toomey emergence could carry the team up near the top. Rebounds, inside defense, inside offense? Likelihood Toomey remains for a 5th year next?

I think we are going to have a rotation of 10 players this year. We are just that deep now.

 

[Jriv23]

Nic that is my top 7 JMO. #8 maybe Thomas or Bofia, possibly Taissa Q whoever wins the job.
Taissa Q will also most likely see time at the 4 behind Akot who I think will start there or maybe that will be Burrows who is 6'2 and has an all around game.

I think we could be a solid 10/11 deep.

Laila Hull might win a big role with her shooting ability from the wing.

I have no spies in practice but I think we might see Akot play some at the 5 if
that puts the best lineup on the court to win a game. JMO. CB says she has great low post scoring ability.

I am hoping a stronger Ciera has a great year. 2nd full year playing in the low post she could take a big step up on top of a good season last year.

I agree that we will have a rotation of 10 to 11 players now. They said that BT is in great shape. They said she is going to surprise some people. I expect her to be in the rotation at the 5 position. Go Heels!

 

[Jriv23]

I mean inevitably somebody is going to transfer out. Who would have ever expected Lanie to be gone a year ago?

I’d bet that there will also be a player who gets limited time but looks great during it (Henderson last year) that we’ll be begging CB to give more minutes. My prediction for that would be Bofia or White

I think Laney went for the money and that is why she left.

 

[Jriv23]

Agree that there are not enough minutes for the caliber of our roster depth.

But the counterpoint to keeping everyone happy is: play the best at the optimum number of minutes in terms of energy and effectiveness. If those that do not get what they want then leave, then how big of an issue is that really? Do you have to keep everyone happy, or do you just play who earns it?

It stinks when a true freshman with real potential like Taliyah Henderson leaves after year 1. That is mainly on them, though, for not realizing that their position would clear up after the season thanks to graduation and other transfers. The only freshman on this team that would be at risk of that is Bofia, assuming she shows real potential but cannot really break into the rotation fully.

And it stinks when a starter like Lanie Grant leaves at any time. But that has nothing to do with her not getting enough PT; she lead the team in PT.

But if a 3rd or 4th year player on this team cannot crack the main rotation, how much harm is caused if they are unhappy and then leave? Does UConn worry much who transfers out, or do they like having space for yet another top recruiting class?

Laney left for the money. Like you said PT was not an issue. I think the best way to keep players happy is to sit each player down one on one and tell each one what their role is going to be. Just be trueful and honest with each player can carry a lot of weight. If you look at it, all the teams that made it to the final four last year or elite eight last year were loaded with talent. SC, UCONN, Texas, LSU, UCLA. Everyone on those teams knew their roles because the coaching staff at those schools sat each player down before the season started and explain what their role would be for that season. If CB and Staff does this then I do not think it should be a problem. If an athlete was to leave for more money than you will not be able to stop that. LG is a prime example of that. She started every game last year. Lead the team in minutes and still left. There is no doubt that NIL money had a lot to do with her leaving.

 

[tarboy]

Bottom line play to win games. If that means playing the best 5 or 7 players more then so be it.

 

[nicheel]

Bottom line play to win games. If that means playing the best 5 or 7 players more then so be it.

And your ceilings is determined by how good your best players are. If all on the team are healthy the 9th-25th player does't matter as to reaching a ceiling near the top. Value practice players for their purpose. The players' quality of performance in practice and games decide the minutes.

 

[Jriv23]

Bottom line play to win games. If that means playing the best 5 or 7 players more then so be it.

CB stated that she has multiple combinations that she can implore this year. It will depend on the team that they are playing and favorable matches for us. She can go big, she can go small, etc. With that being said, I truly believed she will play at least 10 to 11 players a game because they are that deep with length, versatility, and size.

 

[tarboy]

Jriv, I agree CB will play 10 to 11 deep every chance she gets but like most coaches she will play whatever lineup it takes to win games. Building depth by playing deep in the bench is only a good thing if you can win the game that way.

 

[3397char]

If you define a player being in the rotation as averaging 10 MPG for the season, a 10 player rotation is pretty much the limit across D1 WBB. on rare occasions you will see 11, but that is often a function of injuries and player(s) only playing part of the season, upping the minutes for others once they leave.

I challenge anyone to find a team that had more than 11 playing 10 MPG and played in most games. Wichita State is probably the team most known for deep rotations., but they had 10 who played over 10 MPG and three others at 9. So they certainly get an honorable mention. Of course they also were a really bad team, building depth for the future.

Banghart has pretty consistently averaged 10 players per season at this 10 MPG threshold. UNC and Louisville are the only ACC teams that consistently do this most years.; though some years maybe one other ACC team reaches this threshold.

Conversely, the vast majority of teams have multiple players averaging more than 30 MPG. Louisville and UNC were the only ACC teams where nobody on the roster broke the 30 MPG threshold. We had three starters who played 25 MPG or less.

So Banghart, as her coaching philosophy, already is a leader in playing more depth. I would expect to see more of the same this year: we certainly have the quality depth for it.

But considering she has already been playing depth close to the max you would see, I would not expect a significant change in how we play the game; just more of the same. If anything, maybe players 9 & 10 get 12-13 MPG instead of 10-11 MPG. But are you going to notice such a difference?

And remember that these are season averages: Players 9-10 may get 15+ MPG in blowouts, but they may be well below 10 in certain matchups or in tight games.

Last season the complaints centered around Henderson, Thomas and/or Hull not playing as much as some had hoped. Hull played 12.3 MPG, Henderson 10.4 MPG. Both played in nearly every game. By my standard at least, they were clearly in the rotation. The biggest surprise was Quieroz emerging, consuming some of their minutes as the season went on.

Thomas was only 7.0 but we recently learned she never healed and was not 100%. Sometimes perception does not match reality.

And if you put Hull, Henderson, Thomas, Zubich or Astakhova on 95%+ of other teams last year, they would have played significantly more. They are P4 caliber players. Henderson & Hull would have started on 90%+ of teams. Our rotation reflects the limits of what you can do with a team in 40 minutes while still maintaining continuity and flow. Not the limits on what our roster could provide if given the chance.

 

[3397char]

 

[tarboy]

Got some nice low post moves there AA. Go Tar Heels !~