Lessons Learned from the UNC basketball program's emphatic win over Cal

It was a gold rush against the Golden Bears, as the Tar Heels dominate their new ACC neighbor.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Jalen Washington reborn

Jalen Washington
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

I don't know if Jalen Washington got bit by a radioactive spider or something before the NC State game, but watching his game blossom before our very eyes has been an absolute treat. He looks like a completely different man.

Washington is healthy, playing heavy minutes, and making impact. His box score wasn't as impressive as his double-double against NC State (he finished the Cal win with six points, four rebounds, a block, and a steal), but he was essential to UNC's dominance over the Golden Bears.

He's looking more comfortable with his mid-range jumper, which looks very clean and repeatable. He is given a lot of space when he holds the ball at the top of the key, waiting to dribble hand-off with RJ Davis, so it may be just a matter of time before he takes a three-pointer or two again. Remember, he made two of them cleanly against Memphis in preseason.

Washington continues to be one to monitor.

Schedule

Schedule