ACC Basketball: 5 key storylines for No. 11 Florida State vs. North Carolina
By Ian Mumm
Scottie Barnes gets first taste of North Carolina
This is the second meeting between these teams this season. The first matchup occurred over a month ago with the Seminoles winning 82-75 on their home court. The win halted a 3-game win streak for North Carolina and further extended the Noles stranglehold over the top of the ACC standings. However, there is hope this meeting between the two programs will be even better as star freshman Scottie Barnes will get his first taste of UNC.
The 6’9” forward is averaging 10.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this season. When on the court, Barnes helps to take Florida State’s defense to the next level and he creates a lot of havoc with his versatility and length. In 4 of the last 5 games, the freshman has produced at least two or more steals and/or blocks per game. The same has occurred in nine of the 16 games he has played this season for the Noles.
Simply put, Barnes helps to create positive momentum for Florida State while he is on the floor. He brings the energy and gives his team extra opportunities to put opponents away. A particular area to watch though in this game is his defensive assignment. Over the last several outings Barnes has been tasked, and capably-so, of guarding his opponent’s go-to player.
During the Seminoles blowout of #7 Virginia, he guarded point guard Kihei Clark from end-to-end and forced the proven guard to work extra hard to score and facilitate the ball around the floor. How head coach Leonard Hamilton uses him to stunt the North Carolina backcourt will be intriguing to watch.