With a whole roster full of newcomers, it's easy for some to fly under the radar.
Especially with the play of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, the focus has surrounded the Tar Heels new formidable front court duo. However, another starting front court member deserves a lot more credit than he's earned, as he's made an immediate return in his homecoming to Chapel Hill.
After two seasons at Alabama, Jarin Stevenson returned home to play for his hometown school. In the early going, the 6-foot-10 junior has been a massive addition for North Carolina (both figuratively and physically), adding some key elements to the UNC basketball program's roster on both ends of the floor.
Stevenson hasn't been the guy to be a team's leading scorer, but he's certainly capable of putting the ball in the basket. He already has a pair of double-digit scoring performances this season and has capitalized when given opportunities at the free throw line, as his production will increase even more once he starts finding his rhythm beyond the three-point line.
Defensively, Stevenson is a key part of the three-headed monster in the front court, a trio of players all over 6-foot-10. This is a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses, as all three can use their length and athleticism to alter shots and disrupt passing lanes.
Stevenson is one of those "glue guys" who does anything the team needs to win games. Especially in Seth Trimble's absence, having a guy with Stevenson's size, skill and athleticism is a major boost, as he's a guy who can not only guard multiple positions at a high level, but does a little bit of everything on the offensive end to contribute to putting points on the board.
So far, the early results have been extremely positive for Jarin Stevenson. It doesn't hurt to have players like him who provide versatility, stability and most importantly, consistency.