UNC Tar Heels Exhibition Game

by Derrick Clyburn

We are all excited for the Carolina basketball season to start. So, we eagerly watched the first game in the Smith Center to see what type of team we will have for 2017-18.  This is the first of a hand full of games that Carolina will play without Joel Berry, the team leader. There were seven newcomers playing for the first time as a Tar Heel.

UNC Big Men

The three freshmen bigs all bring something different to the table. Garrison Brooks is the most polished offensively. Brooks had 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Brandon Huffman is the most physical big and showed that he will be a good rim protector. Huffman had 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Sterling Manley is a very long player who has good touch around the basket. He will bother teams with has height and length inside. He needs to get stronger in the upper body. Manley had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

All of these freshmen will continue to develop and learn the defensive concepts that coach Williams requires to see playing time.

UNC Veterans

Luke Maye was the leading scorer. He was very active running the floor and rebounding. Maye had 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Theo Pinson will be the glue guy for this team. He defends, facilitates and can run the offense. Pinson had 14 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds.

Kenny Williams is recovering from need surgery. It was good to see him back on the floor.  Williams had 4 points.

Seventh Woods started the game. He played good defense but has to run the offense more efficiently by moving the ball via the pass and be more aggressive attacking the rim. Woods had 4 points 2 assists 2 steals, and 2 rebounds.

UNC Newcomers on the Wing

Cam Johnson showed signs of the jitters in his first appearance against an opponent in the Smith Center. He struggled from the 3 point line. Johnson had 11 points and 3 rebounds.

Jalek Felton showed that he can distribute the ball and hit the open 3 pointer. He played aggressive defense as well. Felton had 5 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Final Observations

This was the first exhibition game. Roy is trying to find the combinations that will play well together. So, that he can build his rotation. The game was a little sloppy. Which is to be expected with seven newcomers and all of the substitutions. The freshmen showed potential to contribute early.  It will be interesting to see who will step up and lead the team until Berry returns.