Riding a three-game losing streak, the UNC basketball program looks to end the skid as they host Georgia Tech to begin ACC play on Saturday afternoon at the Dean Smith Center.
While Georgia Tech shouldn't be overlooked, the Tar Heels need to make the most of this opportunity as they get a small taste of conference action before wrapping up the calendar year against non-conference foes.
The question remains: can North Carolina put together a full 40-minute effort that takes away some of the criticism that the team has received over the last few weeks and gives the fans some hope?
2024-2025 Season
North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall Record: 4-4
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 2-1
Away Record: 1-1
Neutral Site Record: 1-2
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Overall Record: 4-4
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 4-3
Away Record: 0-1
Neutral Site Record: 0-0
Key Players
North Carolina
RJ Davis (Gr. Guard) - 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Seth Trimble (Jr. Guard) - 15.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Elliot Cadeau (So. Guard) - 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists
Georgia Tech
Lance Terry (Sr. Guard) - 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Javian McCollum (Sr. Guard) - 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Baye Ndongo (So. Forward) - 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
While we know the Tar Heels identity is to get out and run, the important factor is what are they going to do in half-court situations?
Georgia Tech doesn't nearly possess the size that other opponents (such as Alabama) previously had, as this would be a solid opportunity to run some sets that feature the big men.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't recall a single play in which a big was posted up and was provided with a pass on the block.
Maybe the Tar Heels can try and help the guards out by seeing if any of the bigs on the roster can draw some attention from opposing defenses.
This should be a focal point as the Tar Heels try to find a half-court offensive identity.
Something to Watch For
Georgia Tech will again be without Javian McCollum, a senior guard who suffered a concussion on November 23.
In the Yellow Jackets most recent contest, a 76-61 loss to Oklahoma, head coach Damon Stoudamire essentially relied on a seven man rotation. Will this be the case against the Tar Heels, and, if so, can the UNC basketball program get out and run to the point where Georgia Tech can't keep up?
Projected Starters
No. 3 Elliot Cadeau (So. 6'1)
No. 4 RJ Davis (Gr. 6'0)
No. 7 Seth Trimble (Jr. 6'3)
No. 9 Drake Powell (Fr. 6'6)
No. 13 Jalen Washington (Jr. 6'10)