Sweet 16: Tar Heels vs Butler preview

Players Who Need to Step Up

Butler: Senior F; Andrew Chrabascz

Chrabascz is a big body who is extremely versatile. At 6-foot-7, he is second on the team in points (11.1), third in rebounding (4.5), and second in assists (3.1).

Not a traditional big man, but has the body to bang down low, Chrabascz is a major matchup problem for opposing big men. Shooting 35 percent from deep, he draws out his matchup and creates many driving lanes for himself and others.

The senior is averaging 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2 assists through the NCAA Tournament.

Chrabascz will likely get time guarding Kennedy Meeks, so his ability to guard and not foul will be a story to watch. He needs to stay out of foul trouble if Butler wants to advance to the Elite 8.

North Carolina: Junior F; Theo Pinson

Most people would agree that Theo Pinson is the best playmaker for the Tar Heels. His ability to get in the lane combined with his size, length, and vision, makes it very difficult for opposing players.

He is also the main energizer and best wing defender for the Heels. With all of that, comes a lot of responsibility.

Usually, a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists, he has been unusually quiet in his play thus far in the NCAA Tournament. Through their two games, Pinson is averaging only 2.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

In order for the Tar Heels to advance, he needs to get back to being the versatile playmaker that he has been all year.

The Tar Heels and Bulldogs will tipoff at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday with the game being televised on CBS.