North Carolina has plenty of guards in the mix this season, but one returning player may have the clearest path to a bigger role because of the coaching change.
That player is sophomore Isaiah Denis, who enters the year with a fresh start after barely getting on the floor last season. Under Hubert Davis, Denis played in just 10 games, averaging 3.4 minutes and 1.9 points per contest with no starts. Even so, the former 4-star prospect showed enough in limited action to hint at real upside.
Denis briefly considered leaving after Davis was fired and entered the transfer portal, but he ultimately chose to stay in Chapel Hill after speaking with Michael Malone. His reason was simple: he "felt like Carolina was home.”
That decision matters because Malone would not have talked him into returning without some plan for him. With so much guard experience already on the roster, Denis may not jump straight into a starring role, but he can still work his way into the rotation as a valuable reserve. He could be one of the first backcourt options off the bench when the starters need a breather.
How Denis fits will be one of the more interesting early storylines for Malone’s new-look group. If he can separate himself in one area - whether that is perimeter defense, downhill scoring, or three-point shooting - Malone should have a path to use him.
At 6-foot-4, Denis also brings size that could help Carolina on the defensive end. That gives Malone flexibility if he wants longer guards who can switch and handle multiple positions.
The biggest advantage Denis has is the reset that comes with a new staff. Last season’s numbers do not have to define him now. If he earns Malone’s trust in practice, there is nothing about his previous playing time that has to keep him buried on the bench.
For North Carolina, that makes Denis an intriguing wild card. He did not get much of a chance before, but this season could finally be the one where he shows what he can really do.
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