University of North Carolina Athletics
GoHeels Exclusive: Pinson's Energy a Constant on ACC Media Day
October 26, 2017 | Men's Basketball, Featured Writers
Checking in with UNC's Senior Leader
by Pat James, GoHeels.com columnist
Late Wednesday morning, near the midway point of ACC basketball media day, reporters surrounded a table inside The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, where Theo Pinson held court.
They asked about North Carolina defending its NCAA title, his versatility and Joel Berry II's injury, among several other topics during the hour-long session. And Pinson answered each question with a smile and a laugh, including this one.
"Coming in as a five-star recruit," one reporter said, "did you think you'd be sitting here years later talking to us at media day or be off in the NBA now?"
"Wherever the chips lay," Pinson said. "I was unlucky by getting injuries; I hurt my foot multiple times. But at the same time, I'm blessed to be around these guys four years. And I've had unbelievable relationships with all of you guys."
Long before his press conference interruptions during the 2016 NCAA Tournament, such a bond existed. Pinson's outgoing personality has always made him a sought-after player in postgame media scrums. He's never shied away from cameras, either.
And as Pinson and Luke Maye navigated media day, one of the ACC's biggest events, that remained unchanged.
Interviews began at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Pinson and Maye bounced from room to room, filming a few takes for television and social media. Among the highlights, Pinson spoke of getting a PlayStation 2 for Christmas one year, his ritual of eating cookies and ice cream the day before a game, and his dream of facing comedian Kevin Hart in one-on-one.
"I would just torch him," Pinson said. "It would be easy."
Next came a trip to radio row. But first, they made a quick stop for a few photos with a replica of the 2017 NCAA championship trophy.
Pinson and Maye each conducted two radio interviews before their press conference. As he completed his second, Pinson, wearing a Carolina Blue polo and khaki pants, alternated poses as cameramen filmed him walking to the room where the press conference was held.
"Relax, Theo," joked Matt Bowers, Carolina's associate director of athletic communications. "You're too uptight."
The press conference lasted about 10 minutes. Pinson and Maye then returned to radio row for a few more interviews before heading to their respective tables in the breakout room.
Perhaps nothing was discussed more during the breakout session than the Tar Heels' eight newcomers, including six freshmen. At one point, Pinson was specifically asked about Brandon Huffman, an extrovert who could bring personality to future teams like Pinson has for the past three.
"He might be better than me," Pinson said. "You never know. I've never seen him in front of a camera. You never know if the lights might make him a little bit nervous, because they don't make me nervous, really. But we'll see."
At about 11:30 a.m., the breakout session ended. Pinson and Maye grabbed their bags and began the 25-minute drive to the ESPNU studio, where a red-carpet entrance and lunch awaited them.
Both players then participated in a social media session. They tried to name Roy Williams' biggest pet peeve – saying, "My bad," which Pinson got correct – before being shown pictures of their teammates' faces blended together and having to guess who was in each photo.
Pinson's laughs could be heard clearly from outside of the closed-door room.
"There's Theo," said Florida State's Terance Mann as he approached the room.
Pinson and Maye's next session, a series of rapid-fire questions with ESPN college basketball analyst Debbie Antonelli, was on the opposite side of the building. Once there, they tried on several of the college football helmets hanging from the hallway wall – including UNC's chrome one – as they waited for the group ahead of them to finish.
Moments later, they returned to that hallway. And as they waited for their next session to begin, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum walked by and introduced himself.
"You and (Alabama football coach) Nick Saban are best friends," Pinson said.
Shortly after Finebaum left, Miami's Bruce Brown and Ja'Quan Newton started walking toward Pinson and Maye from the other side of the hallway. Newton placed the Hurricanes' helmet on his head. And in just a few seconds, Pinson, who snagged the UNC helmet, was lined up in a three-point stance across from Newton.
Pinson and Maye eventually started their next session, a Q&A with five ESPN college basketball personalities. That was then followed by a visit with the "Little Experts," four children who asked Pinson and Maye hard-hitting questions, such as the meaning of daggummit and what a Tar Heel is.
"You know what?" said Pinson when asked the latter. "I don't even know."
Before leaving that session, Pinson and Maye competed in the Pie Face Showdown game. Both placed their chins on their respective chin rests before rapidly pressing the button nearest them to trigger the throwing arm, which held whipped cream. Maye beat Pinson. But Maye couldn't overcome Cohen, a 6-year-old.
"Yeah, Cohen, that's what I'm talking about," said Pinson, who proceeded to pick up Cohen and hold him triumphantly. "Victory!"
From there, only three sessions remained. Maye was interviewed on live TV, and both participated in a photo shoot. The day then concluded with a 10-minute sit-down with members of ESPN.com.
When Pinson walked out of the final session, he turned to Bowers and the three other members of the athletic communications department who followed him all day.
"Y'all look like you're about to take a nap," he said. "Let's hit the road."
With that, Pinson's audience dispersed. But it always returns soon.
