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UNC Basketball: Ariel Young, a Redshirt Senior with something to prove

By Nick Delahanty

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Hannah Barber #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide splits defenders Ariel Young #11 and Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on March 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Hannah Barber #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide splits defenders Ariel Young #11 and Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on March 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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After missing the entire 2021-2022 season, Ariel Young returns in hopes of making an impact for the UNC women’s basketball program. 

In what was supposed to be her senior season, Ariel Young suffered an injury that sidelined her for the entire year.

Although knee surgery derailed her 2021-2022 season, Young returns to the UNC basketball program as a redshirt senior in hopes of making an impact on the court.

2020-2021 Season In Review

We rewind back to the 2020-2021 season, the last time we saw Young on the basketball floor.

Before arriving in Chapel Hill during the 2018-2019 season, Young began her college career at Michigan. She elected to transfer to the UNC basketball program in January 2020, as she had to wait to make her Tar Heels debut.

During the 2020-2021 season, Young played in 24 games for North Carolina, all off the bench. Averaging just under 9 minutes per contest, the Tallahassee, Florida native averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds. In addition, she made 16 of her 17 free throw attempts, giving her the highest free throw shooting percentage on the team.

Her marquee performance came against UNCG. In just 15 minutes of action, Young posted her first career double-double, as she scored 11 points while recording 10 rebounds.

What to Expect in 2022-2023

It’s difficult to figure out what exactly to expect from Young this season.

The Tar Heels return the majority of its regulars from a season ago, as available minutes will be tough to come by. Yes, they lost a starter, but those minutes will likely be distributed between a few players.

For Young, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her play around the same type of minutes as she did prior to her injury.

Head coach Courtney Banghart will likely ease her back into action, but if she continues to perform, her role could certainly increase as the season goes on.

Bold Prediction

Young will work her way into a 10-15 minute per-game player and will be called upon in some big-time situations to knock down some clutch free throws.

That will officially wrap up our 2022-2023 player previews for the UNC women’s basketball program. If you missed any of our previous previews, make sure you check out our website as we inch closer to tip-off!

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