Opting to give Jae’Lyn Withers more playing time in the Sweet 16 is the correct decision.
There are few starting lineups in men’s college basketball that generate as much offense as the North Carolina Tar Heels.
UNC boasts a roster heavy with veteran players, led by esteemed program figures such as Armando Bacot and RJ Davis. Alongside Elliot Cadeau’s renowned driving and passing skills, the Tar Heels feature seasoned transfers Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan in their starting lineup.
Ranked 20th in the nation with an average of 81.8 points per game, UNC leads the ACC in scoring.
Head coach Hubert Davis has demonstrated a willingness to utilize his bench more frequently this season, much to the satisfaction of Tar Heel Nation. This strategy paid dividends notably against Wagner in the Round of 61, with key reserve Jae’Lyn Withers recording his second double-double of the year (16 points, 10 rebounds) in UNC’s victory.
While not suggesting any alterations to the starting lineup, it might be beneficial for Davis to increase Withers’ playing time.
Withers consistently delivers when given at least 10 minutes on the court, as evidenced by his four double-digit scoring performances. Though primarily a post player, Withers occasionally demonstrates his ability to stretch the floor with perimeter shots.
Successful NCAA Tournament teams often boast deep benches, and Withers has repeatedly proven himself as North Carolina’s most effective scoring option off the bench.
Furthermore, increasing Withers’ minutes provides Davis with the opportunity to afford Bacot and Ingram more rest during crucial late-game situations.
