What UNC lost — and gained — in backcourt production
UNC’s backcourt is rebuilt through the portal. Here’s how outgoing guard production compares to what the new trio brings.
North Carolina was always going to look completely different once it was announced that Hubert Davis would not return as head coach. As was the case last season, the Tar Heels will bring back only one starter, with Jarin Stevenson returning after new head coach Michael Malone made him a priority in building next year’s roster. Beyond Stevenson, only Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young are back; everyone else is gone.
The entire starting backcourt has turned over as well. The good news for North Carolina is that Malone has brought in enough production to replace it — and, based on the numbers, the newcomers may even outperform their predecessors. Here’s a look at who’s gone, who’s coming in and how the outgoing and incoming production stacks up.
Outgoing players Derek Dixon (transfer to Arizona) Dixon appeared in all 33 games and started North Carolina’s final 16 as the point guard, averaging 22. 3 minutes. He averaged 6.
5 points, 2. 3 rebounds, 2. 7 assists, 0.