An early prediction of UNC Basketball’s 2018-19 starting lineup
By Grant Hughes
(Photo: adidas)
Small Forward: Nassir Little
The biggest question this offseason is whether Williams will start freshman stud Nassir Little or relegate him to the sixth man in lineup with two big men.
I personally believe that Little is too special of a player to not put in the limelight. The Florida native is the 10th-ranked prospect in the nation by ESPN and the fourth-best small forward.
At 6-foor-7 with a 7-foot-1-inch wingspan, Little is a matchup nightmare wherever he is on the floor. He plays with a relentless motor and is hard to stop when he approaches the lane with a full head of steam.
The loss of Pinson will hurt the Tar Heels defensively and in transition, but Little is talented enough to produce immediately in his place.
Something that could keep Little out of the starting lineup to start the season is the fact that he hasn’t developed a consistent outside shot. He isn’t a poor shooter by any means, but growing into a reliable three-point shooter will take his game to the next level.
Another thing UNC loses with the departure of Pinson is a high energy playmaker, but Little should fill that role just fine.
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Alternate Option: Second Big Man
The only thing standing in the way of starting role for Little is if Roy Williams decides to go back to a traditional lineup. Whether an improved Garrison Brooks or Sterling Manley will prove to be more valuable day one than Little is yet to be seen.
Roy Williams loves playing inside-out, but an elite talent like Little could have him rolling out the death lineup for one more year.