Jae'Lyn Withers has been on an absolute tear as of late.
Since being re-inserted into the starting lineup, the fifth-year graduate student is absolutely making the most of his expanded opportunity. Over the past three games Withers has scored 43 points (14.3 points per game), his highest three-game scoring stretch as a Tar Heel.
Not only has Withers stepped it up offensively, he's been a huge factor in the team's defensive success. From blocking shots to rebounding the basketball, Withers has used his size to his advantage, which is something the UNC basketball program has desperately needed.
Following the victory over Virginia on Saturday, multiple Tar Heels (including head coach Hubert Davis) were asked about Withers' recent play. Of course, they all sang high praise for Withers, noting how important he's been to the team's overall success:
"Yes, he's produced 16 and 11, but I think the consistency of his defense, his rebounding, his shot making, his play making… We need his experience. One of the things that I have told him over and over again– and a lot over the last two weeks– is that this team desperately needs his wisdom in terms of experience. He's seen everything. So, Ian and Drake, they need to see it. Seth and [Jalen Washington], they need to see it. Everybody, they need to hear it from you. They need it from you. And he's really taking that ownership and really running with it, and I'm just really really proud of him."
-Head Coach Hubert Davis
"He just opens up the floor for us. For me, for the bigs, and for the guards, to have a four who can stretch the floor out, knock down shots, and attack the rim that well has definitely been helping us all around."
- Ven-Allen Lubin
"Even before how he's been playing now, he's been great. He has never let what's going on the court affect him personally or in the locker room. He is playing great right now and we need him to keep playing great. [Jae'Lyn] has been amazing."
-Ian Jackson
"I'm super proud of JWith (Jae'Lyn Withers). The past three games, he's been playing extremely well, from shooting the ball, from defending. That's something that we know JWith (Jae'Lyn Withers) is capable of, and I'm just glad that he's kind of just utilizing that because it's helping us a lot."
-RJ Davis
While his recent stretch of games has been impressive, the UNC basketball program desperately needs him to continue playing at this current level. If he can sustain his success, it makes this team a whole lot better, as we all know how important these next few weeks are for the Tar Heels' NCAA Tournament hopes.