Heel Tough Blog: USC Exhibition Takeaways
For the first time under Michael Malone, the Tar Heels took the floor in preseason exhibition play last night, taking down USC 88-70 in Greensboro, behind a big game from Jarin Stevenson and contributions from Neo Avdalas, Isaiah Denis, and Maximo Adams. Carolina trailed at the half, 39-37, but behind a big second half, sparked by improved defense, UNC outscored the Trojans 51-31, as the Trojans shot just 27% in the second half, to pull away for a comfortable win. Jarin Stevenson led UNC with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double, with double-digit scoring efforts from the aforementioned Avdalas (15), Denis (14), and Adams (11), on a night when Carolina shot 44% from the field and 35% from behind the arc, with 11 makes.
USC will be a preseason-ranked team when the AP Poll drops next week, but they were down three rotation players, including two starters, KJ Lewis and Eric Reibe, along with Christian Collins. Still, their backcourt duo of Rodney Rice (22 points) and Alijah Arenas (17 points) proved to be a nice test for a newly rebuilt backcourt for UNC.
The game last night may not have counted, but it was a glimpse into what Carolina Basketball can be this season, and what it will look like under first-year head coach Michael Malone. A coach’s dream is to secure a win, but still have plenty to show his team on film or in practice the next time they take the floor, and that’s exactly what happened last night.
Avdalas Carries the Backcourt: The law firm trio of Brown, Able, and Avdalas didn’t have the night collectively they may have wanted to, but Neo Avdalas was there to pick up the slack. Avdalas scored 15 points on 3-for-7 shooting, with 9 rebounds and 5 assists, before ultimately fouling out late in the win. After a slow start for Avdalas, he got his game going after converting a three-point play, where he banged his head against the basket stanchion after converting through contact. His size helped him grab 9 rebounds, and that needs to be an area where he contributes on a nightly basis this season. It took until the final minutes for Brown to score his first points as a Tar Heel, as he’s still adjusting to a role, sharing responsibilities with Avdalas. As for Matt Able, his impact will be felt most when he puts the ball in the basket, but his effort was noticed defensively, where he was fighting through ball screens and contesting shots.
Stevenson Steps Up: Michael Malone is imploring Stevenson to play with more fire, and if last night was any indication, he’s ready to do just that. Stevenson led UNC with 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including 4-for-7 from behind the arc. Combine the scoring with 10 rebounds, and he was clearly the best player on the floor.
Keita/Samodurov Debut: The production from Stevenson is needed, as Carolina’s frontcourt is a work in progress, with international signees, Sayon Keita and Alexandros Samodurov, transitioning to life in the ACC. Keita produced 8 & 6 in 19 minutes, including a dunk, that brought the house down in the second half during a 12-0 run, when UNC took control of the game. His raw ability was on display, but he needs to learn to play stronger and look to roll to the rim after setting a pick. As for Samodurov, he scored 3 points on 1-for-4 shooting, but grabbed 5 rebounds in 13 minutes. He’s a traditional, international big man, meaning he’s more comfortable playing on the perimeter, and that allowed Malone to play him and Keita together for brief stretches in the game.
Denis & Adams Shine Off the Bench: Isaiah Denis opted to return to UNC after limited playing time as a freshman under Hubert Davis. With Denis in line to be the backup point guard for the Tar Heels, he flashed his potential last night, scoring 14 points on 4-for-8 shooting, including 2-for-4 from behind the arc. He played at such a high level that there were times he was running the offense while sharing the court with Brown, Able, and Avdalas. As for Maxi Adams, his energy and effort are contagious, and that, just as much as his talent, will earn him minutes. His positional flexibility allows him to play at both the 3 and the 4, making him even more valuable. Last night, Adams scored 11 points, shot 4-for-7 from the field, and grabbed 6 rebounds in 18 minutes. You could make the case that the best 5 for the Tar Heels could very well be Brown, Able, Avdalas, Adams, and Stevenson. That’s a credit to the work that he’s put in since arriving on campus earlier this summer.
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