The Coach Michael Malone era is off to a good start in the win column, currently 3-0 to start the season. But a close look shows that North Carolina Basketball has been far from dominant, needing 30+ minutes to get past teams such as Western Carolina and Wyoming.
The next opponent for the Tar Heels is the toughest they’ve faced yet, taking on the Georgia Bulldogs. The SEC program is also 3-0 to start out the season, beating FGCU, NC Central and Presbyterian. This will be the first true test for both teams, with the home team having pressure to win. Here are some keys to the game for the Tar Heels to win.
1. Impactful game from Neo Avdalas
The former Virginia Tech starting guard was the prized offseason pickup for the Heels. But instead of a breakout campaign, Avdalas is struggling, putting up just 7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 4.0 apg through three games. The lack of scoring from him is a surprise, as Utah transfer Terrence Brown (16.3 ppg) has become the clear lead guard. Will that be good enough for UNC to win against high-major foes such as Georgia? We’ll see if Avdalas can break out of his slump for his best game yet on Friday.
2. Matt Able vs Kanon Catchings on the wings
There are a number of matchups to watch in this game but both teams have their best NBA Draft prospect on the wing. Able (11.7 ppg) is currently second on the team in scoring for UNC, shooting 59% from the field and 42% from deep. His counterpart at times will be Catchings, a 6’9 forward who is second on the Bulldogs with 13.7 ppg. Both players have the ability to go off and go for 20+ and that will be an x-factor situation to watch for.
3. Breakout game from Sayon Keita
The 7’1 center was a promising international newcomer for UNC and through three games and 20 mpg, he’s been fine. Keita averages 7.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg, along with seven total blocks. But with Avdalas and Jarin Stevenson not scoring much so far, the Tar Heels will need to find more offense elsewhere. Georgia’s frontcourt isn’t overly imposing and it’s a great opportunity for Keita to have a big outing on both ends. Or, he could just be an effective role player but not anywhere near a star as previously expected.
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