Column: Believe the Hicks hype

A little over a month ago, I filled this same space with a column explaining why North Carolina forward Isaiah Hicks shouldn’t start.

But as the season has progressed and the Tar Heels have experienced their bumps and bruises, so too has my argument.

Hicks replaced Kennedy Meeks in the starting lineup for the third time this season in Saturday’s game against Miami — tallying 12 points, five rebounds and two steals.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Coach Roy Williams still wasn’t sure if the change would be permanent. But if I had a say, it would be.

One of the main points in my previous column focused on Hicks’ defensive struggles through the first 17 games.

But entering tonight’s game against N.C. State, Hicks has been named UNC’s defensive player of the game six times, tied for second-most on the team.

He’s also proved to be a strong rebounder, an advantage Meeks used to hold between the two. Since Meeks returned from injury against Syracuse on Jan. 9, Hicks has outrebounded his roommate 60-56 despite fewer minutes.

Hicks’ biggest edge over Meeks is on offense, though.

According to KenPom.com, Hicks leads the Tar Heels in offensive efficiency at 126.1 points per 100 possessions, while Meeks has averaged 116.5.

And since Meeks exploded for 23 points against N.C. State on Jan. 16, he has scored eight or more points only four times since, compared to Hicks’ six.

Besides scoring, Hicks’ greatest advantage might be his ability to create space for his teammates — most specifically Brice Johnson.

Because Hicks plays along the perimeter more often than Meeks and uses his athleticism to drive to the basket, he can give Johnson and his teammates more room to operate in the post.

“There’s a lot more space in there with Isaiah ...” said Johnson after the Miami win.

Spacing was key for UNC in the final seconds of their loss to Duke, as the team struggled to operate in the paint with Meeks and Johnson sharing the floor.

The crux of my previous argument centered on Theo Pinson’s struggles, leaving Hicks as the most reliable option off the bench.

But after dishing out 27 assists in the past seven games, Pinson has been the spark plug fans hoped for.

I know I’ve been wrong before, but this time you’ve got to believe me.

Hicks hysteria is real.