B asketball season is almost upon us.
With preseason All-American Marcus Paige returning and a heralded freshman class, Roy Williams has more talent this season than in some years past.
At UNC Basketball Media Day last week, Roy Williams had a different focus. He mentioned Paige and his freshman trio, but instead of basking in their potential, Williams was concerned.
Over and over, Williams said he was waiting for his big men to step up. Now, with practice underway and the season starting next month, Roy Williams needs to make the right decision, even if it may not be the popular one.
Start Isaiah Hicks.
With James Michael McAdoo gone to the NBA, many UNC fans expected sixth-man Brice Johnson to step into the starting lineup. But where would that leave UNC’s second unit? Let’s assume that joining Paige in the starting lineup are J.P. Tokoto, Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks. Even without Johnson, the Tar Heels’ starters will score with ease.
Instead, that unit plus Johnson figures to struggle mightily on defense. Paige and Tokoto may be capable defenders on the wing, but in the paint, Johnson and Meeks aren’t scaring anyone.
Now picture Hicks there.
With Paige and Tokoto locking down the perimeter, Hicks could be the rim defender the 2013-14 team lacked. With Paige, Tokoto, Meeks and the unknown Jackson thriving on offense, Hicks can focus on defense.
