Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Best Tar Heel Role Players of the Decade

By Nick Delahanty

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: TV personality Jim Nantz speaks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and his team after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: TV personality Jim Nantz speaks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and his team after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball
DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 18: Cameron Crazies and fans of the Duke Blue Devils try to distract J.P. Tokoto #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 18, 2015 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke defeated North Carolina 92-90 in OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

The best North Carolina basketball role players since 2010: JP Tokoto

J.P. Tokoto was not a player that was going to be your top scoring option or even your best shooter on the floor. However, Tokoto played the game with high intensity, and his energy was definitely a major boost for the Tar Heels during his three years on campus.

Every team needs players who play the game with a lot of energy and intensity. That’s what Tokoto did on a nightly basis. As he developed into a quality starter for Roy Williams, Tokoto became know for two things: defense and dunks

On the defensive side of the ball, Tokoto was a player who often matched up against the other team’s best scoring options. He worked hard on the defensive end, and took the pressure off some of his teammates, especially in key situations.

Along with his defensive prowess, Tokoto would throw down some impressive dunks that went a long way in sparking his teammates and the Carolina crowd. In case you forgot about some of Tokoto’s finest dunks, take a look at this highlight reel to refresh your memory:

Even though he left Chapel Hill a year early to declare for the NBA Draft, Tokoto had a solid three seasons as a Tar Heel. He understood his role, and worked hard on both ends of the floor and did anything he could to help the Tar Heels be successful over that span.

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