DBR Bites #76: Belichick Implications

We discuss whether the Belichick Manifesto marks the end of UNC’s basketball relevance.

Bill Belichick’s arrival at UNC Football has brought a renewed investment in the program. But will it come at a price for UNC Basketball? Sam Klein is back to help Jason and Donald break it down on DBR Bites Episode 76.

With Belichick comes the guaranteed increased in football investments, from assistant salaries to NIL dollars. Some in UNC circles feel that boosters may sacrifice basketball for a few years for the purpose of getting UNC into either the SEC or the Big Ten. Donald, Jason, and Sam debate whether the end of UNC Basketball’s relevance is a real possibility. There’s lots to consider here: whether UNC Basketball can continue to pull in top talent, whether big boosters out there are willing to continue investing in basketball, the potential for private equity to enter the fray, and whether the SEC or Big Ten would even want them in the next decade. And even with all that, their relevance could continue. It’s not an easy answer and it makes for a good discussion.

After the break, we take a look at CNBC’s list of perceived college athletics valuations. While the Big Ten and SEC dominate the list, Duke is in a pretty good position. Duke Basketball helps, but it’s the overall performance of the athletics department combined with other factors that has Duke in position to be okay, no matter how conference realignment continues to map its course.

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