UNC Basketball: Theo Pinson 2017-18 Season Preview

Theo Pinson looks to stand out in his final season in Chapel Hill.

Walker Miller | Sterling Manley | Brandon Huffman | Garrison Brooks | Andrew Platek | Jalek Felton | K.J. Smith | Shea Rush | Brandon Robinson | Seventh Woods | Kenny Williams | Luke Maye | Aaron Rohlman | Cam Johnson

Theo Pinson’s career in Carolina has been marred by injury. Pinson has broken his foot twice and has missed 30 games over his three-year career as a result.

His injury history has kept him from living up to the top ten ranking ESPN gave him coming out of high school.

Pinson hopes to stand out in a talented yet crowded backcourt and have a big season in his final year in Carolina Blue.

2016-17 season review

Despite missing the first 16 games of the season due to a broken foot, Pinson had his best year yet.

He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and free-throw percentage. Pinson looks to build on his newfound offensive success in tandem with his stingy defense.

The Greensboro native had perhaps the best game of his career in a February matchup against No. 7 Louisville. Pinson scored 13 points to go along with 6 boards as the Heels made out with a 74-63 win.

His biggest play of the season came a month later against Kentucky in the Elite 8. A heads-up play by Pinson set up the game-winning bucket for Luke Maye.

2017-18 role and preview

Look for Pinson to own a similar role as the starting shooting guard much like last year.

Roy Williams will surely rotate his backcourt early and often, but Pinson’s defense will keep him on the court.

Unlike last year, Pinson will need to be more of a role model for the players behind him. UNC has a lot of youth in the backcourt and Pinson’s experience will be a valuable piece to their maturation.

A report from Inside Carolina discusses how Pinson will also be called upon to play the four in small ball lineup.

"“It’s really big for me and Coach that Coach trusts me playing the four.” “He won’t even hesitate, he’ll be like, ‘Alright, Theo, look, you’re four,’ and he’ll put me in. That’s a big thing for us.”"

Look for the senior swingman to have a big impact on both ends of the court and put a stamp on his career at UNC.

Strengths

Theo Pinson is a jack of all trades and a master of one (defense).

He is never going to win you a game by scoring a lot of points, but he makes an impact in multiple facets. Pinson is versatile and can play every position from the 1-4 in a variety of lineups.

He is a creative passer, but can also get a little too careless when handling the ball.

Pinson is one of the best defenders on the team and will be consistently matched up against a team’s top scoring option.

Above all, Pinson is a veteran who Roy Williams can trust to be a leader on and off of the court.

Bold Prediction

I believe Theo Pinson will be an 8-7-6 performer this season for the Tar Heels. He should be able to average 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal or two a game.

The scoring output won’t blow anyone out of the water, but it should be a more efficient tally than seasons past.

Pinson will be a key cog in this season’s UNC team and will perform to his strengths game in and game out.

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