University of North Carolina Athletics
Late Night Sights
October 22, 2015 | Men's Basketball
NOTE: This article originally appeared in the October 20 issue of CAROLINA.
by Turner Walston
Carolina fans will get their first look at this year's edition of the Tar Heel men's basketball team on Friday at Late Night With Roy. While much fun will be had in skits and dances, the main attraction is of course the Blue-White scrimmage. Here's what to look for on Friday night:
1. Meeks' Makeover
Junior center Kennedy Meeks has transformed his body. He began his career at nearly 320 pounds. Down around 260 now, Meeks still has the size to bang in the post but has the strength and stamina to be a more efficient player for longer stretches. Meeks has always been effective underneath the basket, but now he can become a well-rounded player while not being so, well, well-rounded.
2. Perimeter Play
The departure of J.P. Tokoto opens up a vacancy on the wing. Tokoto was perhaps the Tar Heels' best defender, but in addition to his high-flying drive ability, he quietly became a terrific passer. As Roy Williams would prefer that Marcus Paige play point guard, there's an opportunity here for Theo Pinson to step into the two-guard role. Pinson was hampered by a foot injury a year ago and has been limited in preseason practice, but he'll have a chance to take a good first step on Friday.
3. Isaiah Hicks' continued maturation
Ask any player to name someone who's been impressive over the summer and in the preseason, and Hicks' name is often the first to come up. Able to play his more natural power forward position a year ago, Hicks began to come into his own. He scored in double figures seven times and was named the team's defensive player of the game 16 times, even as he averaged just 14.8 minutes off the bench. As a junior, Hicks is stronger and looking to play with more consistency.
4. Luke and Kenny
Freshmen Luke Maye and Kenny Williams are off-limits to the media until they play their first regular-season game, but the two will look to make a statement on the court on Friday. Williams brings a much-needed shooting touch to the perimeter, while Maye is a shooting big-man who provides depth in the post. They join a strong team and will look to find a way to contribute in 2015-16.
