ACC Basketball: 5 key storylines for No. 11 Florida State vs. North Carolina
By Ian Mumm
The Seminoles have become a definitive mainstay at the top of college basketball and many of the program’s performances this season have affirmed their ascension under head coach Leonard Hamilton. Ranked 11th in the nation, Florida State has experienced only slight difficulties in returning to the court from their recent COVID pause. With victories over Wake Forest, Pittsburgh, and a dismantling of #7 Virginia, the Noles have almost returned to their mid-season groove.
Fresh off a victory over a short-handed Miami team, Florida State has won 4 in a row entering this contest. The win was another demonstration of this team’s extraordinary depth and ability to rely on multiple starters and bench players to secure wins.
On the other end, North Carolina has experienced a more unusual season fraught with inconsistency. The best example was the Heels recent obliteration of ACC rival Louisville by 45, 99-54, then turning in a lethargic performance to Marquette in their next outing by 14. Leaning on the ever-consistent forward Garrison Brooks, UNC has a much younger roster than in recent seasons.
After tweaking the rotation in the first half of the season, Carolina seems to have finally assembled their top lineup. However, their overall rotation has been prone to highs and lows due to a higher-than-normal reliance on youth to immediately play at an optimal level. Their hands will be full in this matchup heading into the home stretch of the season.