BIG Impact
A reason for some of those improvements has been the functional usage and versatility of this team’s frontcourt. The additions of Brady Manek and Dawson Garcia this offseason, in the wake of losing Garrison Brooks and Walker Kessler, still maintained tremendous talent on paper for Carolina. Coach Davis however has been able to utilize both players in multiple ways to compliment the backcourt and overall strength of the team on both ends.
Garcia and Manek each carry good mobility to guard the perimeter, as well as strength to match up well inside. It’s their offensive capabilities though that have helped push this team to more balanced production and overcome early struggles on defense. Specifically, the above-average shooting touch has resulted in Garcia and Manek contributing 35.6% of the team’s perimeter buckets.
Bacot on the other hand has continued to elevate his play year after year, with 22+% increases in scoring production between each season. His play one-on-one against Dickinson was instrumental in piling on fouls to the Wolverines’ best player and forcing adjustments on their end.
The collective play of this trio has really allowed the Tar Heels to operate in multiple fashions based on the matchup. Despite losing a little ground in rebounding production, this year’s group has provided more inside-outside balance to keep teams true defensively.