Lessons Learned from the UNC basketball program's win over Hawai'i

Ian Jackson is feeling his way around, but making his minutes count

Ian Jackson got 13 of his 19 minutes in the first half. During that time, the freshman guard was one for four from the field and was blocked several times at the rim. He did score seven first-half points, though.

Why?

He attacked more ferociously than any other Tar Heel and got to the line, where he shot a perfect 4/4. Only RJ Davis got to the line more, and he was hit from behind on a three-point attempt.

Ian Jackson isn't making the instant impact that other freshmen have this season or previous seasons, but that's just fine. North Carolina is blessed enough in the backcourt to give Jackson time to figure out the speed of the college game. Getting to the line is a repeatable skill, and hitting his free throws at a healthy clip will 1.) keep UNC's margins up, and 2.) motivate Hubert Davis to keep Jackson on the floor more.

There's a player here.