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

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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Seventh Woods #0 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives against Josh Perkins #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on December 15, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 103-90. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

The Small Ball Lineup

G – Seventh Woods
G – Coby White
F – Kenny Williams
F – Nassir Little
F – Luke Maye

Why?

Position-less basketball is the wave of the future, as it keeps trending upward both in college and in the pros. The Golden State Warriors made it popular most recently, and these smaller, more athletic, shooter-friendly lineups have trickled down to the college ranks as well.

This lineup can be a matchup nightmare for teams. Don’t get any crazy ideas, though; this isn’t the college version of the death lineup, but more of an annoyingly-good-prefer-not-to-go-up-against-lineup. There’s a case to be made that this is UNC’s best lineup, and that they should use this come March Madness. Well, as long as they don’t have to face Texas A&M again.

Strengths

This lineup enhances the Tar Heels’ speed on offense, and creates power of movement; just like the Speed Force. Everyone in this small ball lineup has the ability to take their opponent off the dribble, and score at the rim. They can also drive and dish to an open shooter.

This team resembles the 2012 lineup of Kendall Marshall, Dexter Strickland, Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Tyler Zeller. The really good version of this lineup can outweigh the bad.

Weaknesses

Lack of size is an obvious disadvantage for this lineup. Opponents won’t struggle grabbing rebounds, or shooting over smaller defenders. Teams will feast on the Tar Heels like it’s an early Thanksgiving, and the smart teams will ask for seconds. This lineup could potentially run too fast, and create a lot of careless turnovers. Cue the Roy Williams face palm.

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