Report Card: Grading UNC men's basketball a month into the season

Through seven games, the UNC men’s basketball team is off to its worst start since the 2010-11 season. 

With a revamped roster following the departure of three starters, the Tar Heels find themselves with a 4-3 record about one month into the season. 

Here are letter grades for each component of the team so far: 

Offense: A-

Following off-season moves, it was clear the Tar Heels were built to be an offensive juggernaut. Early on, the offense has not disappointed, averaging a little under 90 points per game this season, the sixth best in the country. The offense also ranks 23rd in overall efficiency in the nation, giving UNC one of the most potent scoring attacks the country has to offer. As the team continues to build chemistry, expect the offense to build upon its early season dominance. 

Defense: C- 

Defense was a question mark coming into the season after UNC was unable to land a big man in the transfer portal and so far this season it has proven to be the team’s Achilles' heel. North Carolina has allowed over 80 points per game, the second most in the country amongst Power Five teams.

With no rim protector, opposing offenses have exploded in the paint. Then, when the defense collapses around the post player, it opens up the perimeter. UNC allows opposing teams to shoot over 34 percent from beyond the arc, ranking 239th in the nation. If the Tar Heels want to make a deep run in March, they must improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Frontcourt: C

The departures of Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram left big shoes to fill in the frontcourt, and seven games in the Tar Heels are still searching for answers. Junior starting center Jalen Washington has not been an adequate defensive replacement for the former All-ACC defender Bacot.

Graduate forward Jae’Lyn Withers has been a bright spot offensively for the frontcourt, shooting over 42 percent from 3-point range. While the frontcourt has been able to produce on the offensive end, the lack of paint presence limits their effectiveness. 

Backcourt: B+ 

It's no secret that North Carolina boasts one of the best backcourts in the country. Both sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau and junior guard Seth Trimble are having breakout seasons, leading the way for UNC’s offense. Graduate guard RJ Davis was poised to be one of the best players in the nation, but early season struggles have hindered the overall effectiveness of the backcourt.

Look for Davis to improve on his early shooting woes, reminding the country why he was a preseason First Team All-American selection. If Davis can return to his All-American level of play, North Carolina’s backcourt could meet expectations to be the best in the nation. 

Starters: B 

The starting lineup has stayed consistent throughout the first seven games of the season with Davis, Cadeau, Trimble, Withers and Washington. The backcourt trio has proven to be the offensive catalysts for the starters, combining for over 48 points and 12 assists per game. But early deficits in the last three games have called into question this lineup’s effectiveness.

Head coach Hubert Davis must make a change, as digging early holes and relying on second half comebacks is not a recipe for success. Making adjustments to the starting combination may bring a much needed spark to a UNC team that finds itself on a two game losing skid. 

Bench: B+ 

First-year phenom forward Drake Powell and guard Ian Jackson have been explosive coming off the bench. In the recent loss to Michigan State, the two combined for 32 points on over 70 percent shooting.

Combined with the productive play of junior transfer forward Ven-Allen Lubin – who is averaging over six points on 75 percent shooting — the Tar Heels boast a solid eight man rotation. Don’t be surprised if Powell and Lubin play their way into a struggling UNC starting lineup. 

Overall: B-

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