Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: NC State vs. North Carolina preview

By Horran Cameron

Jan 8, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) reacts in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 107-56 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) reacts in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 107-56 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) scores as Pittsburgh Panthers guard Cameron Johnson (23) defends in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Panthers 80-78 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) scores as Pittsburgh Panthers guard Cameron Johnson (23) defends in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Panthers 80-78 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Three Questions

Will Isaiah Hicks play Wednesday night?

When UNC played Duke last Thursday, Hicks did not play in that game. North Carolina’s low post was not effective against the Blue Devils. They did not take advantage of their size against Duke, also.

Hicks represents an x-factor for the Tar Heels. His explosiveness off the court elevates the play of North Carolina. Without him, there is no toughness on the blocks. Last season against N.C. State, Hicks had 10 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes. This dunk illustrates his moxy and uncanny ability to create his own shot in the low post.

North Carolina needs Hicks to counter N.C. State’s combination of Abu, Kapita and Omer Yurtseven in the low post.

Will this be Dennis Smith’s last game against the Tar Heels?

Dennis Smith is projected to be a top-five lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Unless the Wolfpack and the Tar Heels meet in the ACC Tournament and/or the NCAA Tournament, this game is likely Smith’s last game against UNC.

Prior to this season, Smith was relatively unknown outside of basketball circles. Now, he is close to being a household name.

In his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Smith represents a beacon of hope and a rising superstar.

Will Theo Pinson play extended minutes against N.C. State?

Lately, Theo Pinson has showed his versatility on both ends of the floor. In addition to Berry, Pinson has the ability to run the offense and bring the ball up the court. In the victory against Florida State, Pinson played minutes at the power forward and center positions, despite being shorter than the players he defended.

Pinson may possibly be the most important player on North Carolina’s roster. He can play all five positions for the Tar Heels. His defense is the best on the Tar Heels’ roster. His skill set has no ceiling and cannot be measured solely via statistics.

If Hicks does not play against the Wolfpack, do not be surprised if Pinson starts at the power forward position and/or he plays 25 to 30 minutes. I could see Pinson finishing this game with 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Before he graduates, Pinson will have a triple-double.

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