UNC Basketball: What is wrong with Marcus Paige?

Jan 11, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) dribbles the ball up the court against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated North Carolina 57-45. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

So far the 2013-14 season has consisted of some incredible highs and disappointing lows for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and perhaps no player identifies with the up and down nature of this season more than sophomore guard Marcus Paige. He has played outstanding in some of the team’s biggest wins against Louisville and Kentucky but his play has dropped significantly in the last few weeks. His recent performances are making some fans question what has happened to the player that looked like a possible ACC Player of the Year candidate in the first few weeks of the season.

There are several factors that have played into Paige’s recent struggles including fatigue. Right now the guard is averaging 35 minutes per game which is 5 more minutes than the next most played player James Michael McAdoo. That’s also 11 more minutes than his backcourt mate Nate Britt. If he continues to average 35 minutes per game it would be the most of any player under Roy Williams at North Carolina. The sophomore has played 84 more total minutes this season than any other player on the roster. There have been a few times over the last several games that Paige has looked completely worn out.

Another reason for his struggles has been the lineup changes. Some have pointed to the start of ACC play as the time when Paige started struggling but his performance began to take a nose dive before that.

Before Leslie McDonald returned Paige was averaging 19 points through 9 games hitting 45% of his shots and 37% of his 3-point attempts. In the 7 games since McDonald has returned Paige is averaging 14.1 points per game, his shooting has dropped to 35% from the field and his 3-point percent is down to 32. With McDonald back, Paige has spent more time at the point guard position than he has all season. After growing into the 2-guard spot and finding success he was forced to move back to the point guard position and has looked confused at times. It appears that sometimes he is not sure if he should attack and look for his shot, or try to set up his teammates which has led to an ineffective offense for the Tar Heels. He appeared to be more comfortable playing off the ball and only worrying about scoring despite being a natural point guard.

For the Tar Heels to be successful, Marcus Paige needs to be aggressive regardless of which guard position he is playing. He needs to get back to driving the ball to the basket and creating chances for both himself and his teammates.

In the last few games he has settled for far too many jump shots instead of driving to the basket and creating foul opportunities. So far through three ACC games, the 91% free throw shooter is only 4-5 from the line and has not taken more than two free throws in any game. The Tar Heels need Paige to play with the confidence he showed at the start of the season when he looked like one of the top players in the country because he is the best player on this team. If he continues to struggle, this team will continue to struggle this season.

For more news, analysis, and updates on North Carolina men’s basketball and Marcus Paige, be sure to follow us on Twitter @KeepingItHeel!

– Diamond DeShields leads dominant No. 9 UNC over Clemson 78-55

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