UNC Basketball: Theo Pinson 2016-17 season review

Theo Pinson helped the North Carolina Tar Heels win it all this season. What did he bring to the table to help the Tar Heels be so successful?

Theo Pinson was an intergral part of the 2017 National Championship team Without him, the Tar Heels would not have made it nearly as far.

So let’s take a look at the ups and down of Pinson’s 2016-2017 season.

The Good

Intangibles. Pinson has often been described as a swiss army knife. Whatever the team needs he brings. Along with Justin Jackson, he formed a stellar defensive wing duo that shut teams down.

He also did the little things. Pinson finished top five on the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks. He led the team in assists.

Pinson also brought an injury and smile that was lacking earlier in the season. When he was out there the ball moved better and guys were having fun. When he wasn’t something just seemed to be missing.

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams hugs forward Theo Pinson (1) after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bad

Injuries. Speaking of something missing, Pinson missed 19 games this season due to an ankle injury.

The Tar Heels were never the same defensive team when he wasn’t on the floor.

When Pinson played UNC was 18-3, when he didn’t, the team was 15-4 including two double-digit losses.

Best Game

UNC 96 FSU 83. Pinson’s best game came in a win against Florida State on January 14th.

It was just his third game back but he did stuff the stat sheet. Pinson finished with a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He also had three assists and a steal.

It was also a good shooting night for Pinson. He finished 3-of-5 from the field, 5-for-6 from the charity strip, and even knocked one down from behind the arc.

Memorable Moment

Final Four against Oregon. Theo Pinson had a lot of great moments this season, particularly in the tournament.

There was the pass to Luke Maye to beat Kentucky for example, but that was Luke Maye’s moment.

Pinson’s most memorable moment came in the final seconds of the Final Four with UNC up one.

With five seconds left, Kennedy Meeks missed his second straight free throw. Pinson soared through the air grabbed the rebound and got it out to Joel Berry II.

With less that four seconds left, Berry proceeded to miss both free throws as well. This time it was Kennedy Meeks who grabbed the offensive board and got it to none other that Theo Pinson, who ran the clock out.

Without either of those plays, Oregon is likely attempting a game-winning shot, and UNC could have found themselves going home empty handed, again.

Next Season

So what should Tar Heel fans expect from Theo Pinson in the 2017-18 season. Well, a lot of that depends on who returns for the Tar Heels. Pinson’s versatility gives Roy Williams options.

Pinson could play at the two, three, or four depending on who else is available to the Tar Heels.

Next: Jalek Felton wins three-point shooting contest

Outside of that expect more of the same from Pinson, great defense, stat stuffing, a lot of fun, and a smile on Coach William’s face.

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