The era of Theo Pinson and Joel Berry II is over.
After an NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M last weekend, the North Carolina men’s basketball team lost its two most experienced players. But the team will return bigger and more experienced next season, even as it welcomes three newcomers: Nassir Little, Coby White and Rechon Black.
Though UNC lost Berry, the team's leading scorer last season, and Pinson, who had the most assists, the potential still remains high for the team in 2018-19. The Tar Heels will return nearly 70 percent of their minutes, at least two starters and 66.7 percent of scoring next season.
Without the crutch of older players to shoulder the load, a number of key players will have to take on a bigger role.
Seventh Woods, who came in for Berry his first two years, could have the most dramatic change in playing time. Woods, now the oldest point guard on the roster, sat out for much of the season due to injury. He returned around the time Jalek Felton was suspended from the University, and he came off the bench to give Berry rest for the remaining games of the season.
Luke Maye and Kenny Williams will likely run the team as seniors. If Cameron Johnson stays, he’ll join them.
Williams and Johnson will bring back experience shooting and handling the ball. Williams shot 40.2 percent from behind the arc and took the third-most attempts, while Johnson shot 34.1 percent after sitting out the start of the season due to injury.
Maye, who leapt onto the scene as North Carolina’s second leading scorer last season, will likely be the biggest piece on the team coming back. In a breakout junior campaign, Maye averaged 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
The high expectations will remain high in his final year after putting up 16 double-doubles — the fourth-most in a season for UNC all-time. The team's leading rebounder will have some help with now more experienced big men around him to help on the boards.
