Four glaring issues for the UNC basketball program through eight games

The UNC basketball program has struggled mightily, and here are some of things that need to be addressed.

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Nov 15, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington (13) reacts in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Jalen Washington and Jae'Lyn Withers are unplayable

Let's call a spade a spade: the UNC basketball program's front court has left a lot to be desired.

While it looked like Jalen Washington was due for a big year early on, the junior big man has been awful. He has just five points over the Tar Heels last three games and has seen his minutes drop significantly due to lackadaisical play and being close to a non-factor on the glass.

Jae'Lyn Withers is super athletic and provides size, but that's really all he's given the UNC basketball program up to this point. That doesn't justify giving him starter-type minutes, as he's more of a player who you can utilize off the bench in certain situations (similar to last season).

Hubert Davis finally pulled the plug, inserting Drake Powell into the starting lineup in place of Withers. Now, Davis must make another move: inserting Ven-Allen Lubin into the starting spot while giving more minutes to Ty Claude off the bench.

Let's face it: Lubin and Claude are much better rebounders. The Tar Heels are going to have to play small anyways, mind as well give more minutes to the guys who are going to help you on the glass.

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