For nearly two decades, Rupp Arena had been the one place that UNC basketball could never conquer. Instead of having another heartbreaking finish, clutch shot-making from freshman point guard Derek Dixon broke the 18-year drought at Kentucky, leaving Rupp with a statement win that rewrites the rivalry's recent history.
This team is still trying to find its identity, especially with senior guard Seth Trimble still out due to injury. Hubert Davis has been trying to figure out the right lineup and rotations, and I believe we got some answers during Tuesday night's game.
The player who stood out the most and flowed better with the starting lineup was the freshman point guard, Derek Dixon. Dixon, early on, has been the more effective guard between himself and Kyan Evans. Offensively, Dixon gives them more dynamic scoring. He can create off the dribble, finish through contact, and score on all three levels. He puts more pressure on the defense, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
Kyan Evans has been a steady ball handler but has been more of a table setter, looking for others rather than trying to find his own shots. He has been clogging the paint because when he drives, he's only been looking to pass, so defenses have been able to box him.
Evans is a smart defender, but has been struggling to stay out of foul trouble and is already undersized at the position. Dixon's size and better lateral quickness allow UNC Basketball to switch more matchups without giving up easy drives.
The biggest difference is that when the game is on the line, Dixon has the confidence to go and get his shot and the clutch gene to knock it down. Both are good catch-and-shoot players, but Dixon has the better ability to play off-ball and get better looks.
Evans, leading the second unit, gives UNC Basketball a true facilitator in the backup group and being the guy rather than playing through Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, he can get his confidence back again.
The other lineup change worth trying is replacing the starting two-guard, Luka Bogavac, with Jonathan Powell.
Powell, so far this season, has shown himself to be the most natural floor spacer on this team. His off-ball relocation and quick release stretch defenses on all levels. The most important quality he brings is that he doesn't need touches to be effective; he thrives on ball actions, pin-downs, flares, and corner spacing. UNC Basketball has shown they want to work through their two big men, so having a dead-eye shooter on the perimeter will make it hard for teams to willingly double.
Bogavac is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of college ball, and overall, he has the most offensive skill on this team. He has not been able to be consistent, so when you're a ball-dominant guard who needs touches and rhyme to be effective, a spark plug/microwave 6th man could be the perfect role for him. Playing along with Evans on the bench will give UNC Basketball more versatility and scoring.
Defensively. Powell is the more reliable defender and runs the floor harder, fills lanes more consistently, and has shown to be a better hit-ahead target on the break. He fits much better in the starting lineup as the UNC basketball program waits for Seth Trimble to come back and fill that role.
Ultimately, elevating Dixon and Powell into the starting lineup is less about demoting Evans or Bogavac and more about optimizing the roster around UNC basketball's core strengths. As the season progresses and margins tighten, these adjustments allow them to maximize their talent, play more to their strengths, and capitalize on the full potential of their personnel.