Jarin Stevenson’s New Role Off the Bench Could Be a Game-Changer for UNC
For the first time since joining the Tar Heels, Jarin Stevenson came off the bench. But don’t let that fool you-this wasn’t a step back. If anything, it might just be the move that unlocks a new level for North Carolina’s rotation.
With Seth Trimble returning to the lineup, head coach Hubert Davis opted to roll out a three-guard starting group. That shift bumped Stevenson-a 6-foot-10 forward with the kind of versatility coaches dream about-into a reserve role. And based on what we saw in Saturday’s CBS Sports Classic, that adjustment could pay off in a big way.
Trimble’s presence gives Davis more flexibility, and Stevenson becomes a luxury off the bench. He’s the kind of player who can plug into multiple spots, and on Saturday, that’s exactly what he did.
Whether he was spelling Henri Veesaar or Caleb Wilson, Stevenson gave UNC quality minutes on both ends of the floor. He rebounded, defended across positions, and knocked down timely shots when the moment called for it.
One lineup that stood out featured Stevenson playing the five with Wilson sliding to the four. It worked-and it worked well.
Both players bring size, athleticism, and the ability to stretch the floor or attack in transition. That combination gave UNC a different look, one that could cause matchup problems for opponents down the road.
Wilson, for his part, is all in on the pairing.
“He gives us rebounding,” Wilson said. “The lineup with me and Jarin, we’re both gunners, we’re running as hard as we can, trying to create advantages knowing that we’re quicker than most five-men we’ll play against.”
That speed and versatility could be a major asset as the season rolls on-especially when the Tar Heels want to play with tempo or switch defensively.
Veesaar and Wilson both had high praise for Stevenson postgame, but the most telling endorsement came from Davis himself. The head coach didn’t hold back when talking about what Stevenson brings to the table-particularly on the defensive end.
“Absolutely huge,” Davis said of Stevenson’s versatility. “I’ve talked about his versatility, but to be honest with you, Devin Royal was real. Just his ability to be able to score, he’s not rushed, he’s strong, plays off two feet, and the only person that could really make him work to get a good shot was Jarin.”
That’s high praise, especially considering Royal’s offensive skill set. But Davis wasn’t done.
“To have that guy who’s 6-9, with versatility, being able to play in the post, on the outside offensively, but from a defensive standpoint, to be able to switch and play multiple positions, is a huge factor for us.”
Make no mistake-Wilson and Veesaar are going to be on the floor a lot. But Stevenson’s ability to slide in alongside either (or both) gives Davis options. And in today’s game, lineup flexibility is gold.
What’s clear is that this isn’t a benching in the traditional sense. It’s not a demotion.
If anything, it might lead to more minutes for Stevenson, not fewer. He’s proving that he can adapt to whatever role the team needs-whether that’s anchoring the second unit, closing games in a small-ball lineup, or stepping in when Veesaar needs a breather.
With James Brown and Zayden High struggling to find consistency behind Veesaar, Stevenson showed Saturday he’s more than capable of filling that backup center role. He’s not just holding the line-he’s adding something different, something dynamic.
As conference play looms, Stevenson’s versatility is going to be a key piece of the puzzle for UNC. He can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, rebound, and bring energy in whatever role he’s asked to play. That’s the kind of player every coach wants in their rotation.
And if Saturday was any indication, Stevenson’s new role might be exactly what North Carolina needs to take the next step.