UNC Basketball: Early player takeaways before showdown with Michigan

The UNC basketball team is playing well so far due to some standout players. What are the biggest takeaways before the big game with Michigan?

The North Carolina basketball team has just finished playing in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational. Now they have a big matchup with Michigan on Nov. 28. It will be one of the games for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

The Tar Heels were able to pass their first big test of the season when they beat 17th ranked UCLA in the invitational. They were able to break away late and win relatively easily.

We all know Luke Maye is their best player and a player to watch in terms of the Wooden Award but lately, there have been three players that have been able to stand out and take Carolina to the level they have been playing.

Coby White is one of the impact incoming freshman this season. He has displayed the ability to break open games with his shooting and fast play. Out of the gate head coach Roy Williams has trusted White to run his offense and he has not disappointed. He is averaging 15.2 points per game this season.

In the game against UCLA White had 19 points. In the loss against Texas, he had 33 points. Against St. Francis PA he had 16 points. He was able to lead the team in scoring against UCLA and Texas. White, who was a McDonald’s All American, is already looking like a star.

Coby White will be a game-breaking player for the Tar Heels this season and he will help them win a lot of games this season. He is the spark plug for this offense.

Cameron Johnson is one of the key returning players for the Heels this season. As a senior, he will help the team in the postseason as he has been there before when it comes to the tournament.

Johnson uses his 6’9 frame and his guard like skills to knife through the defense and has a smooth stroke from three on the corners. Against UCLA he had 14 points. Against Texas, he had 16. Finally, against St. Francis PA he had 20.

Johnson is a pretty consistent player. He is averaging 16.8 points per game which is a career high. That consistent play will be needed for this long season ahead. Especially when you factor in the fact that North Carolina is relying on some true freshmen.

Nassir Little another true freshman. How he impacts the game is his strong play coming off the bench. When the Tar Heels need to be physical he can be relied on to come in the game and do that job.

Little is able to cut to the basket for jams, shoot anywhere and get rebounds for the Heels. Against UCLA he had 14 points. Against Texas, he had 11 points. Lastly, against St. Francis PA he had 19 points. Little is averaging 12.7 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game this season.

Little has been able to do the little things so far while adding a scoring threat off the bench. His play will be invaluable to the Tar Heels.

North Carolina does have Luke Maye who is having a tremendous season (he is averaging 14.2 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game) but there are other players that this team has. Going down the stretch this team will prove how deep they are. It all starts against number 9 Michigan.