There are few starting fives that produce more offensively than that of the North Carolina Tar Heels’ men’s basketball team.
UNC carries a veteran-heavy roster, led by the likes of all-time program greats in Armando Bacot and RJ Davis. While Elliot Cadeau is more known for his driving and passing ability, the Tar Heels also sport experienced transfers Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan in the starting lineup.
North Carolina is 20th in the country at 81.8 points per game, which also leads the ACC.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis has played his bench a lot more this year, much to the delight of Tar Heel Nation. He saw that decision pay off big-time against Wagner in the Round of 61, as key reserve Jae’Lyn Withers recorded his second double-double of the year (16 points, 10 rebounds) in the Tar Heels’ win.
I’m not saying that Hubert should mess around with his starting lineup, but he might want to play Withers more.
Withers produces when he plays at least 10 minutes, with each of his four, double-digit point outings coming while doing so. Withers is primarily a post player, but can occasionally stretch the floor with perimeter shot attempts.
The best NCAA Tournament teams tend to have deeper benches. Withers has proven, time and time again, that he’s North Carolina’s best bench scorer.
Oh – did we mention that the more Withers plays, the more Hubert can rest up Bacot and Ingram for the big, late-game moments?
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