Here are the main takeaways from the UNC basketball program’s final preseason exhibition tune-up against St. Augustine’s.
The first look at the UNC basketball program left a lot of promise and excitement heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Of course, it’s an exhibition game against an opponent who certainly isn’t the best team the Tar Heels will face this season. However, we did see some really good things from the new-look Tar Heels, and we’re here to discuss them.
-RJ Davis got the ball rolling early, scoring the first eight points of the game. He dominated in the first half en route to a game-high 22 points over 24 minutes played.
-The Tar Heels had two players record double-doubles: Armando Bacot and freshman Zayden High.
- High showcased some of the skills that have the North Carolina coaching staff and players raving about. As Hubert Davis has said, High has put himself in a position to play, as his effort in the exhibition game showcased why we’ll likely see a lot of him this season.
-Newcomers Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan both had strong performances, as they not only scored the basketball well (combining for 26 points) but made winning plays in the process.
- Ryan left the game late in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return. He did return to the sideline for the second half, as he was probably held out for precautionary reasons.
-Elliot Cadeau, although faced with foul trouble, made some terrific passes and highlight-reel plays. A dunk he threw down in the second half brought energy into the Dean Smith Center, as his playmaking ability is something that not many college players can match.
-Jalen Washington knocked down five shots on eight attempts off the bench, as he showcased the range that Hubert Davis often talks about. Creighton Lebo was simply the star late in the game, as he scored 11 points while connecting on four of his five shot attempts.
-The Tar Heels were without Seth Trimble (who is in a walking boot) and Jae’Lyn Withers (upper-body injury).
-Overall, the UNC basketball program shot 55.1% from the floor, including 45.7% from three-point land. They also knocked down 15 of 19 free-throw attempts.
For an exhibition game, this group could’ve easily slugged its way into it. However, the energy was high from the jump, as this group was hustling for rebounds, loose balls, and fast break opportunities.
Even while missing some guys due to injury, this team is much deeper than last year’s squad. For those who complain about Hubert Davis’ bench usage, it’s likely that he’ll be forced to use his bench a good amount given the talent this group possesses.
Now that the exhibition games are in the books, who is ready for the start of the UNC basketball program’s season on November 6?!
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