UNC basketball: 5 lineup options that Roy Williams could go with

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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 19: (L-R) Leaky Black #1, Cameron Johnson #13, Kenny Williams #24 and Garrison Brooks #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels react during the second half of their game against the St. Francis Red Flash at the Dean Smith Center on November 19, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 101-76. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

The Traditional Lineup

G – Coby White
G – Kenny Williams
F – Cam Johnson
F – Luke Maye
C – Garrison Brooks

Why?

Dating back to James Worthy and Sam Perkins in 1982 to Jawad Williams and Sean May in 2005 to John Henson and Tyler Zeller in 2012, UNC has been known throughout the years for its traditional “two big” system.

A major issue last year was the team’s lack of size in the post, and the inconsistencies of the three-point shot. Williams feels like this lineup gives them the best chance to win. It’s no secret that he loves how this unit performs in practice, and because of that, these five players have started 11 out of 12 games thus far.

Strengths

This lineup pushes the pace, and has multiple three-point shooters on the offensive end of the court. If they are in trouble, White can bail them out. If this lineup needs a spark, White can provide that for them. White can also create easier opportunities for Williams, Johnson, and Maye. Basically, White is the transmission and the alternator for this vehicle, and they won’t go far without White playing well.

Weaknesses

This lineup has no post-play on offense, can still get over matched by bigger teams, and is just an average group of defensive players that tend to play below average defensively. As a whole UNC’s team defense isn’t where it needs to be.

This still may be one of Williams’ worst defensive rosters while at UNC. For whatever reason, big men are able to manhandle the Tar Heels down low, and shooters have enough time to spell “Spalding” before taking a three-point shot.

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