The North Carolina Tar Heels have had no downtime this offseason, with developments and updates constantly revolving through the doors in Chapel Hill.

Last week, we learned of the Tar Heels’ home and away ACC schedule, and earlier in the offseason, a portion of their non-conference schedule was released. Late Thursday, North Carolina was informed of another non-conference game, and it’s safe to say this will be another test for the program that resides in Chapel Hill.

Opponent Reveal

North Carolina will host Arkansas at the Dean E. Smith Center on Dec. 1 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. The Razorbacks are one of two SEC teams the Tar Heels will face this season, as they will take on Kentucky on Dec. 19 at Madison Square Garden in the CBS Sports Classic.

Significance of Matchup

Stacking up as many formidable opponents during the non-conference slate is monumental for the Tar Heels, who need to solidify their rotation and chemistry before ACC play begins. Arkansas has reached the Sweet 16 in each of John Calipari’s first two seasons as head coach, and it could orchestrate a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament next season, with one of the best rosters in college basketball.

With Michael Malone entering his first year as North Carolina’s head coach, it is crucial that the team develops cohesion on both ends of the floor. While the Razorbacks have been a Sweet 16 program in each of the last two campaigns, the Tar Heels have failed to advance past the first weekend.

This is an obvious test for North Carolina, as Arkansas’ roster and Calipari’s coaching pedigree should be a matchup Malone and this team should be excited for. The Tar Heels could prove a lot with an impressive outing against one of the elite teams in the SEC.

Polarizing Storyline

In addition to this matchup featuring two of the most prominent programs in college basketball, it will also be a reunion between Calipari and North Carolina’s associate head coach Chuck Martin, who served as an assistant on Calipari’s staff in Arkansas.

Martin’s familiarity with Calipari’s scheme could become a factor in the matchup and provide the Tar Heels with important intel on the Razorbacks. Since Calipari took over as head coach, Arkansas has tended to take time to gel, which could be another pivotal factor in how the game unfolds.

Overall, this is an opportunity for Malone and his players to prove that North Carolina should be taken seriously as a potential contender heading into conference play.

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Shavezz Dixon knew what he was looking for the second time around. The former Ole Miss offensive line commit out of Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County reopened his recruitment earlier in the process, determined to find the right fit before making another college decision. After a strong push from North Carolina that began earlier this year, the three-star offensive lineman found exactly what he was looking for.

Now Dixon is headed to Chapel Hill.

“Development, the history behind Coach Belichick and just the atmosphere and campus environment,” Dixon said when asked about the biggest reasons behind his decision.

North Carolina offered Dixon in January after Bill Belichick, Michael Lombardi and Will Friend visited his school. They extended the offer, and from that point forward, the recruitment took off.

“It just skyrocketed from there with North Carolina. They were on me hard, and so consistent. Coach Lombardi and Coach Friend were great. “They were very straightforward with me and honest, so that put them high on my list.

“Out of all the colleges I’ve been to and talked to, they had the best plan for me to develop as a player.”

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The Tar Heels quickly separated themselves from the pack.

Florida State, Georgia Tech and Florida State all remained heavily involved, but a trip to Chapel Hill helped the Tar Heels win out.

“That visit in March changed everything. I talked to Coach Belichick a lot and Coach Friend, and it just felt right. Our relationships grew, the campus was awesome and I just liked the opportunity I saw there.”

Dixon excited about the staff he will play for in Chapel Hill

Development sat at the top of Dixon’s list.

So did the opportunity to play for one of the most accomplished coaches in football history.

Friend also played a major role.

“Coach Friend is a great coach,” Dixon said. “He’s very hands-on. He’s going to teach you. That’s why I feel like I can get developed by him. Some coaches want to yell and scream, but Coach Friend is about teaching his players. He has had success at different places and he is a great coach to learn from.”

The chance to play for Belichick added another layer to the decision.

“I know that the opportunities are there. I just have to go prove myself. He is a winner. Coach Belichick is one of the best.

“I feel like this year will definitely be a year they take it over the top and exceed expectations. There is no doubt that he will win at North Carolina.”

Dixon will be back in Chapel Hill June 12 for his official visit, and that will be the only one he takes.

“I have shut it all down,” Dixon said. “I know this is home. This is the place for me.”