Former national champions discuss who needs to step up for UNC basketball in 2024

One of the things that makes the UNC basketball family so special is how the former players are so locked into what is going on with the current team.

Theo Pinson and Justin Jackson are prime examples, as the duo recently discussed the Tar Heels on the latest episode of Pinson's podcast, Tidal League's Run Your Race Podcast, as the former college teammates and national champions discussed a player they both feel needs to step up throughout the rest of the 2023-2024 season.

That player is none other than fifth-year big man Armando Bacot, as Jackson notes the accolades and resume that the Richmond, Virginia native has put together throughout his time in Chapel Hill. He goes on to say that Bacot essentially should go into every game with the mindset of being dominant in some sort of fashion.

"If you (Armando Bacot) are a preseason first-team All-American, there should never be a game where you’re not dominant in some form of fashion." Justin Jackson

Jackson isn't saying that Bacot has to lead the team in every statistical category. What he is saying is that Bacot needs to find a way to dominate in anyway that the UNC basketball program needs him to.

As an example (provided by Jackson), if the guards are consistently knocking down shots, Bacot should focus on getting every rebound he possibly can on both sides of the floor.

Now, don't take this as a knock on Bacot. This is two former Tar Heels, who have been there and done that, noting what this year's squad needs in order to get to that level.

To continue the conversation, Jackson and Pinson agree that Harrison Ingram is the "X-Factor" for this year's team. RJ Davis is that "go-to" guy, but both Pinson and Jackson agree that consistency from Ingram makes things easier for everyone around him, as they believe he has the "grittiness that the team needs."

Check out the official Tidal League website to find more Theo Pinson content from the Run Your Race Podcast. Pinson's show features plenty of special guest, including some tied to the UNC basketball program.

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