#8 UNC @ PITT- PROSPECT ANALYSIS
By Greg Kopanezos
Eighth ranked North Carolina (9-3) traveled to Pittsburgh for a major ACC matchup to open 2024. Pittsburgh was looking for a signature win in a year where they are yet to pick up a win outside quads three and four. It was an extremely physical contest in the Petersen Events Center in front of a lively crowd.
Pittsburgh came into this game averaging nearly ten three pointers per game and tonight the Panthers shot 4/27 from beyond the arc. Both teams came out of the gate slow and struggled to get in a rhythm offensively. The Heels were backed by their senior leadership of RJ Davis and Armando Bacot, plus a much-needed boost from Seth Trimble. UNC outscored Pitt 39-29 in the 2nd half and never trailed the rest of the way. North Carolina picked up an impressive win on the road in a slugfest 70-57.
NBA scouts from six organizations were in attendance with their eyes on elite freshman Carlton ‘Bub’ Carrington and Elliot Cadeau, as-well-as senior stars RJ Davis, Armando Bacot, and Blake Hinson. Here are some of the top prospects that caught my eye tonight (below).
Carlton Carrington- The 6’5 freshman has burst onto the scene as a freshman, and is one of the largest stock risers in the 24 class. Coming into the game averaging 14.1PTS, 5.3REB, and 5.1AST per game. Bub was the go-to guy for offense for Pitt tonight, and he hit some timely shots in the 2nd half. Carrington struggled from three point land, and to separate from defenders at times. Overall I was impressed with his confidence and ability to get to the line and draw contact.
20PTS | 4REB | 6/17 FG | 6/7FT | 2/8 3PT | 2AST | 2TO
RJ Davis- UNC’s star was clearly the focus of Pitt’s defensive strategy, and they were extremely physical with him all game long. It wasn’t Davis’ most efficient game of the season but he still produced a key 15 points for the Heels. I believe there is definitely a role for him in the NBA, and his ability to create off the dribble for himself and teammates will translate well to the next level. Coming into the game Davis was shooting a career-high 39% from 3PT range, and he hit a huge buzzer-beater three-ball to put UNC up by three at the half. He is almost unguardable one-on-one for anyone at the college level.
15PTS | 6/16FG | 4AST | 3REB | 3/6 3PT
Elliot Cadeau- The freshman’s inexperience showed tonight as he battled foul trouble for the majority of both halves. However, in his brief time on the floor Cadeau showed great flashes specifically on the defensive end. He had a strong drive to the hoop where he used his elite speed to get past his defender. Cadeau also brought a ton of energy to the defensive end with his on-ball pressure. Arguably his most impressive plays of the night were early in the first half when Pitt forward Blake Hinson failed to post-up on him on the inside.
4PTS | 2/2 FG | 2AST | 2TO
Seth Trimble- North Carolina struggled mightily on the offensive end in the first half, and Seth Trimble provided a much-needed spark to lift the Heels. The 6’3 sophomore has had arguably the best two games of his career in back-to-back games. Trimble had a team-high nine points in the first half and added five rebounds. He is a gifted athlete and is dangerous in transition. He’s playing with noticeably more confidence and UNC is going to need him as the season goes on. Trimble had a crazy highlight alley-oop slam to shift momentum in halfway through half number one.
10PTS | 3/7FG | 6REB | 1STL | 1TO
