UNC Basketball: 3 keys to beating Duke in first game against Jon Scheyer
Use experience to your advantage
One thing that the Tar Heels have seemed to always have the leg up on in this rivalry with Duke is the experience factor. The Blue Devils have typically been a one-and-done program, while North Carolina has brought in players they develop and have their moments after a couple of seasons in Chapel Hill.
The same rings true this year. The Tar Heels start with three seniors and two juniors, while the Blue Devils look to start with four freshmen and a junior. This is a matchup, especially early that North Carolina should be able to take advantage of and get out to an early lead while the freshman look to settle into the first true rivalry game of their careers.
Having veterans in college basketball has always been important. Having the one-and-done players is fun and provides good entertainment. But nothing helps a team more than having veterans, especially at the guard position.
The Tar Heels will have a clear advantage in that category with junior guards R.J Davis and Caleb Love. Love has started to turn the corner from the shooting slump he was in to start ACC play. Davis and Love should be able to put a lot of pressure on the Blue Devils, especially freshman Tyrese Proctor on both ends of the court.
Next. Latest ACC power rankings. dark
Another spot that UNC has over Duke is with their Head Coach although it’s not by much. This will be the first UNC vs Duke matchup that Jon Scheyer will be in as the head coach of the Blue Devils. Hubert Davis in his second year as the Tar Heel head coach has been able to be in this position already which could help him down the stretch in any late-game situations.