The skies over Chapel Hill are looking a bit brighter now that Henri Veesaar is back on the court for the Tar Heels. His impact was undeniable in their road victory against Syracuse, a game they might not have pulled off without his presence.
The Orange put up a tougher fight than in their previous encounter, and without Veesaar’s influence inside, UNC could have faced the same fate they did against NC State. But the challenge isn’t over yet, as Louisville, a formidable opponent, is up next.
The Cardinals are more than capable of handing UNC their first home loss of the season.
Here’s what to watch for in this matchup:
Keeping Shot Selection Sharp
UNC’s struggle with shot selection was evident in their game against NC State. Missing both Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, the Tar Heels attempted to break their own record for three-pointers, hitting only five of 33 attempts. With Veesaar back in the lineup against Syracuse, their shot selection improved significantly, making six of 16 from beyond the arc and scoring 42 points in the paint.
Veesaar’s presence, with his ability to score at all levels, naturally enhances shot quality. He draws defenders in the paint, can hit from three, and excels in ball screen situations.
His availability for the Louisville game is crucial, but the team also needs to execute their offensive plays effectively. Against NC State, there was too much isolation and standing around.
Discipline on offense will be key if they want to maintain their perfect home record.
Containing Mikel Brown Jr.
UNC has struggled against talented guards this season. SMU’s Boopie Miller and MSU’s Jeremy Fears Jr. have caused them problems, and while they managed to win against Kansas, Darryn Peterson still managed 22 points on 57.1% shooting. Now, they face Mikel Brown Jr., who is having an outstanding freshman season for Louisville.
Brown has been an offensive powerhouse, scoring 25+ points in three of his last four games, including a 45-point performance against NC State. His ability to score could pose a significant challenge for UNC’s inconsistent defense.
Their perimeter defense will be crucial, but they must also stay disciplined when Brown drives to the basket. Failure to do so could lead to a repeat of their struggles against the Spartans and Mustangs.
Addressing Free Throw Inconsistencies
While UNC has been adept at getting to the free throw line, their conversion rate has been inconsistent. In their game against Duke, they made 11 of 14 attempts, a performance well above their season average. Duke fans might grumble about the disparity, but UNC can argue that their usual free throw performance would have changed the game’s outcome.
However, against Syracuse, they made only 15 of 28 free throws, a disappointing 53.6%. The issue isn’t isolated to one player, as Seth Trimble, Luka Bogavac, and Jarin Stevenson all struggled.
Improving their free throw percentage will be crucial against Louisville. With limited time before the next game, getting in some extra practice at the line could make all the difference.