Keeping It Heel
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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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Power Forward-Isaiah Hicks, SR

Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) works around Villanova Wildcats defense during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) works around Villanova Wildcats defense during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men /

Alternate Options: Luke Maye, Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson, Kennedy Meeks

The only other position open this season was the one created by Brice Johnson. Isaiah Hicks makes the most sense here. He is a great rebounder and knows how to put the ball back in the bucket on a missed shot. He also can block the ball and falls perfectly in line with the likes of John Henson and Brice Johnson.

With Hicks in the lineup, the frontline shouldn’t miss a beat. The only thing that Isaiah needs to work on is his fouling. Hicks picked up 4 fouls or more in 19 games last season, including five of the six tournament games the Heels played in. When Hicks is in foul trouble it means he can’t be on the floor and all the good he does gets left on the bench.

Luke Maye is the only other power forward listed on the roster. He still needs to develop but showed last season he could be counted on for minutes when other bigs were in foul trouble. Expect much of the same as he just isn’t good enough to steal Hicks position.

If Roy Williams did want to go small, again unlikely, we could see either Pinson or Jackson here. I have listed Jackson in three different possible positions. His versatility is why his return is so important to what UNC can do. Pinson has also been listed in three spots, but I don’t think he can provide the same small ball power forward defense that Jackson can.

Also for a larger option Roy Williams could go with Kennedy at the four. Kennedy is a bit undersized for a five particularly at the pro level. Time at the four might not only increase Meeks skills overall but also his value to a future NBA employer.

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