UNC Men's Basketball Opens Season with Exhibition Win Against USC

Senior forward Jarin Stevenson led all scorers with 25 points, shooting 57 percent from the field, including four three-pointers and collecting ten rebounds. Although the game won't count toward official records, Stevenson's performance set a career high.

Malone highlighted the excitement of competing against another team after months of practice, contrasting his approach with that of former coach Hubert Davis. "You show film — ‘Hey, this is a really good offensive possession,’ but you know what the problem is? The defense was horseshit, and it was your team," Malone stated.

First-year forward Maximo Adams and sophomore guard Neo Avdalas also contributed significantly, with Avdalas falling just one rebound short of a double-double.

In analyzing the game, here are three key takeaways:

1. **Pace of Play**: Malone emphasized the importance of “running with discipline.” UNC managed 74 possessions, slightly above last season’s average, but only recorded two fast-break points late in the game. The Tar Heels' ball movement accounted for much of their fast pace, although Malone noted they dribbled more than necessary. They committed 18 turnovers, which may require additional conditioning in practice. Adams commented on their improved aggression in the second half, stating, "We locked in."

2. **Returning Players' Performance**: Sophomore guard Isaiah Denis, who struggled last season due to a hand injury, played 20 minutes off the bench, scoring 14 points and grabbing four rebounds. He expressed gratitude towards Malone for believing in him. Stevenson, who played more at center than he anticipated, adapted well, showcasing his shooting range with seven three-point attempts.

3. **Frontcourt Challenges**: Defensively, USC struggled in the paint, recording only six of their 31 second-half points near the basket. UNC’s big men, including Samodurov, contributed with blocks, but offensively, the team struggled on layups, hitting only eight of 20 attempts. Malone criticized the midrange game favored by previous rosters while encouraging his bigs to shoot three-pointers instead. The capacity for Stevenson to become a primary scorer in the post remains uncertain.

This exhibition marks a promising start for Coach Malone and the Tar Heels as they look to build momentum for the upcoming season.