The Rainbow Warriors were dispatched, but not without showing North Carolina where it needed to improve.
The UNC basketball program had a late-night tune-up against Hawai’i before heading to their main event at the Maui Invitational. Taking on an undefeated Rainbow Warriors team provided a solid early season challenge for the Tar Heels, particularly given Hawai’i’s size, which could create issues for North Carolina.
In the first half, Hawai’i held a +9 advantage in rebounding. However, North Carolina managed to overcome this deficit thanks to their talent, some key shooting, and the return of Elliot Cadeau, who missed much of the first half due to two early fouls.
It’s essential for the Tar Heels to learn quickly, as starting Monday, the level of competition will significantly increase. Let’s take a closer look.
Elliot Cadeau MUST stay on the court
Elliot Cadeau’s two early fouls resulted in a lackluster offensive display by North Carolina in the first half. The team struggled to expand a ten-point lead into a twenty-point advantage, as Hawai’i’s zone defense effectively slowed the game down. Additionally, the Tar Heels weren’t hitting enough three-pointers to break free from this stagnation.
In the second half, Cadeau made a strong return, helping UNC’s lead surge to as high as 20 points, which left the ‘Bows unable to rally. Cadeau plays a crucial role in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, and he’s also been effective in generating his own offense this season, averaging 16 points per game compared to 7.3 from the previous season.
Moreover, he’s skilled at stealing the ball from opponents, whether through direct defense or by reaching in to support his teammates. However, he needs to fine-tune his approach to risk versus reward, as misjudgments can negatively impact North Carolina’s offense, as demonstrated in the game against Hawai’i.
Jae’Lyn Withers needs to bring more
North Carolina is going to face challenges throughout the season due to size mismatches. Jae’Lyn Withers, expected to be the starting power forward, needs to show greater consistency.
Withers had a standout performance against Kansas, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds against a much larger Jayhawks team. However, his follow-up was disappointing, as he managed just two points (shooting 1-for-4 from the field and 0-for-3 from the free-throw line) and only one rebound in a recent game. Adding three fouls to that makes it even more frustrating, although I’ll give him some leeway since the referees were calling even the slightest contact all night, which was absurd.
Cade Tyson was initially considered the likely starting four based on preseason speculation, but that scenario might take time to develop, if it happens at all. While Withers has strengths that Tyson may lack, if Hubert Davis chooses to rely on him, it could enhance UNC’s athleticism. However, he must contribute some fundamental low-post skills to help the team compete with larger opponents; otherwise, the Tar Heels will struggle.
Ian Jackson is feeling his way around, but making his minutes count
Ian Jackson played 19 minutes, with 13 of those coming in the first half. During that time, the freshman guard made one of four shots from the field and faced several blocks at the rim, but he did manage to score seven points in the first half.
What contributed to his success? He aggressively attacked the basket more than any other Tar Heel, earning opportunities at the free-throw line where he shot a perfect 4-for-4. RJ Davis was the only other player to reach the line more often, having been fouled on a three-point attempt.
While Ian Jackson may not be having the immediate impact seen from other freshmen this season or in the past, that’s perfectly acceptable. North Carolina has a deep backcourt, allowing Jackson the time he needs to adjust to the speed of college basketball. His ability to draw fouls is a valuable skill, and maintaining a strong free-throw percentage will not only help UNC’s scoring margins but also encourage Hubert Davis to give him more playing time.
There’s definitely potential in Jackson.
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