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UNC Basketball: Roy Williams potential starting five

By Brandon Griffin

Jan 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams gives direction to his team during the first half of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina won 84-73. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams gives direction to his team during the first half of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina won 84-73. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shooting Guard-Theo Pinson, JR

Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) surprises head coach Roy Williams (right) during a press conference before the national championship game against the Villanova Wildcats at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) surprises head coach Roy Williams (right) during a press conference before the national championship game against the Villanova Wildcats at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Alternate Options: Nate Britt, Seventh Woods, Brandon Robinson, Kenny Williams III, Justin Jackson

Marcus Paige’s departure creates this opening and a decision for Roy to make. Based on what Roy Williams did last season when Paige was out, Pinson seems to be the go to guy. He also fits many of Roy’s requirements for a starting two. He plays defense, he hustles, he can dribble, and he can score. Pinson is also an upper classman, and again Roy will usually chose a Junior over a Freshman in most cases.

Alternates for this position include Britt and Woods mentioned above. Britt will probably see some time at the two, particularly in a small lineup or when Roy Williams wants someone he can trust to handle the ball. Woods is probably still a year away from this being his job, but you never know when a freshman might impress enough to take over.

Brandon Robinson is another freshman for this upcoming season. Hailing from Georgia, the kid is a little on the skinny side, but knows how to score. In other words reminds me a bit of a shorter Justin Jackson. Though Robinson should see playing time, there is just too much ahead of him to start.

UNC could also call on Kenny Williams III. Williams III was a late recruit last season who flipped to UNC after Shaka Smart left VCU. Touted as a three point specialist, Williams III hit one three pointer last season. No that wasn’t a typo. Williams III, who is coming off knee surgery this offseason, will probably see more minutes than last season, but is more than likely a bench contributor again this season.

One last suggestion here is Justin Jackson. Jackson who is a small forward, could play shooting guard if Roy Williams decided to go large. At 6’8 he could really cause some a lot of guards problems, much like he did to Kris Dunn against Providence.

Next: Small Forward

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