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UNC Basketball: Random Observations Louisville Win

By Aaron Conrad

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 10: D'Marco Dunn #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots over Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 10, 2023 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 10: D'Marco Dunn #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots over Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 10, 2023 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball defeated the Louisville Cardinals 80-59 on Saturday. Below are random observations from this important true road win.

Does anyone remember when Armando Bacot was often called “soft” his freshman year and many wondered about his toughness?

No one is questioning it now.

One thing that this team has lacked is a leader. When your pre-season ACC Player of the Year injuries his ankle and remarkably starts the next game, that is leadership. Bacot will never be the most vocal guy on the court but he is the undisputed leader.

Interesting going with Puff Johnson in the starting lineup. Another twist in the rotations and roles for this team.

We also got to see a big lineup of Bacot, Johnson, and Jalen Washington at one point. That came directly after a four-guard lineup of RJ Davis, Caleb Love, Seth Trimble, and Demarco Dunn.

Understanding there are injuries, it feels like Coach Davis is still trying to identify roles and rotations. That is so critical for any team and especially this one.

At what point do we begin to really worry about Caleb Love this season? These statistics as shared by @BenAltitude on Twitter are a bit alarming, to say the least.

I will say it quietly but you have to wonder what Tyler Nickel could produce with a few of those minutes. If nothing else, let things slow down for Love a bit.

It was great to see Dontrez Styles not only play but give some quality minutes. It’s so hard to not play in several games but find a way to stay focused and ready.

Dunn completely changed the game when he entered. It looked like El Ellis was getting hot for a career night and Dunn completely shut it down. He hounded Ellis full court and wouldn’t give him looks off the ball. Outstanding game for Dunn.

At what point do we begin to worry about Pete Nance?

When Nance does return, should it be as a starter or an early sub off the bench?

dark. Next. Bacot Battles and Tar Heels Win

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