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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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Small Forward-Justin Jackson, JR

Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men /

Alternate Options: Theo Pinson, Brandon Robinson, Isaiah Hicks

Much like Point Guard this position is already set. Jackson has been the starting small forward since he arrived on campus back in 2014. Known for his all around game, Jackson has shown a pattern of starting slow before exploding at the end of the season.

With Paige gone this season, Jackson will have the opportunity to take charge of the team and hopefully his scoring and leadership will last for the entire season. If it does, don’t be surprised to see his name mentioned in the player of the year race, much like Brice Johnson’s was last season.

I think you could see either Pinson or Robinson here if Roy Williams went with a small lineup. However, Roy has rarely done that, with the exception of the 2012-2013 season when the team had no choice due to a lack of reliable big men.

Keeping in the run of the larger lineup, I think you could see Isaiah Hicks here as well. Hicks played some three back his freshman year due to the clog of big men and the lack of wings on the team. Though he was not successful there, it does give Roy Williams another option to play with.

Next: Power Forward

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