Contrary to belief, the big men are very much capable
The talk all offseason was the state of the UNC basketball program's frontcourt, especially at the center position.
Armando Bacot wasn't (and isn't) walking through the door, as the group the Tar Heels have assembled (Jalen Washington, Ven-Allen Lubin, Ty Claude, and even Jae'Lyn Withers) are now tasked with filling the void.
While it's still a controversial topic, I hate to be the bearer of bad news for the pessimistic people out there... but...
This group is plenty capable, and, might even fit better with this group than a traditional big man would.
Hear me out.
Washington's biggest strength is his ability to stretch the floor. While he gives up some size in terms of weight, he's still a capable defender who can get physical in the post. Lubin and Claude are "undersized" for the position but do a great job on the boards, while Withers is one of the team's top athletes overall.
Each guy provides their own areas of strength, as it might not be the typical way Carolina plays, but it's a style that tends to work with this unit.
Think about how the likes of Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble and RJ Davis have essentially gotten to the basket at will early on this season. Not to say Bacot clogged the paint, but having a stretch big on the floor opens up a lot of space for those guys to work.
While we all know the guards will be instrumental in the team's success this season, take a minute to realize now that the big men are very capable and could prove all the doubters wrong.