UNC Basketball: Nassir Little emerging at the right time

The evolution and development of Nassir Little is coming into form at the right time as UNC basketball looks to finish off a terrific season.

When Nassir Little chose to be a part of the UNC basketball family, the hype surrounding the top-five recruit shot through the roof.

Already one of the best high school players in the country coming into his freshman year, the expectations for Little were very high when he arrived on campus. Some may say he never met them this season, others may say it was the system that held him back. One thing is for certain though, Nassir Little is playing his best basketball at the right time, showing everyone that he is just what we thought, a dominant force.

Averaging 10.0 points per game this season, Little has come off the bench in all 35 games, playing just 18.3 minutes a night.

Throughout the season we saw flashes of the top-5 talent, but we also saw the learning curve that comes with a freshman adjusting to a different system and role. Carolina has now advanced to their 34th Sweet Sixteen appearance and Little has been the catalyst behind the first two games.

Both games in double-figures, Little is averaging 19.5 points and shooting 71 percent from the field, missing just seven shots overall.

What has been the main difference in his game? It’s his approach.

At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Little has the frame and body of an NBA player, much more advanced than most freshman, but he hasn’t always used it to the best of his ability.

Often times earlier in the season we would see him floating around the three-point line and settling for too many contested jump shots, leading to a bag of mixed performances.

Flash forward to now and after this past weekend, Little has asserted himself in the paint leading to six offensive rebounds in the two games, while going 16-for-23 from inside 15 feet, and only attempting one three – which he made.

Not only has he used those second-chance opportunities for himself, but his activity on the glass has even led to rebound putbacks for the likes of Luke Maye, Garrison Brooks, and Cam Johnson.

Utilizing his versatility, Little slid into the middle of the zone in both matchups and tore up the middle of the defense.

Rarely leaving the lane, he was able to turn and face after the catch and use his athleticism to finish above the rim on many occasions, even through contact, finishing with a handful of and-one opportunities.

There is no question Little is an important piece to the Tar Heels, but he very well may be the player who tilts the scale in Carolina’s favor in each matchup from here on out.