No. 6 North Carolina enters this season already under a microscope, as questions swirl around the team’s ability to replace superstars Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson.
And junior Theo Pinson — one of the team’s strongest defensive players — is out indefinitely with a foot injury, leading to uncertainty about how to fill his gap in the starting lineup.
So, the Tar Heels need guard Kenny Williams to make the leap in his sophomore campaign.
“I always say, I think the biggest jump is from some guys’ freshman year to his sophomore year,” Coach Roy Williams said. “Whether it’s Joel Berry last year, I hope it’s the same way for Kenny and Luke (Maye) this year.”
Kenny Williams saw limited action in his first year, averaging just over four minutes per game in 30 games. But with Pinson’s injury, the sophomore guard expects an increase in playing time. He, senior Nate Britt, and first-year Brandon Robinson are all vying to be thrown into a more prominent roll.
“I’m sure if we keep playing like this, it’ll be a tough decision for (Coach),” Kenny Williams said. “But whoever does get (the starting position), I don’t think it’ll be a big drop-off between who gets it and who’s coming off the bench.”
After the scrimmage against Memphis on October 29th, Roy Williams and his staff selected four players who excelled in their play. Kenny Williams was among them.
After being plagued by shooting troubles last year — making just one 3-pointer all season — the Virginia native believes his offseason work and comfort in the system will translate into increased production.
