CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Frustration began to mount for Jae’Lyn Withers as his playing time on the North Carolina basketball team dwindled from starting to sporadic minutes, while the team faced the looming threat of missing out on the NCAA Tournament. However, Withers chose to focus on personal growth and improvement to cope with the situation.
With his positive mindset potentially being the catalyst for UNC’s recent success, the Tar Heels have strung together six consecutive victories, showcasing their best form of the season. This winning streak has put them in contention for a spot on the right side of the tournament bubble ahead of their highly anticipated clash with arch-rival Duke on Saturday.
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Withers has played a pivotal role in stabilizing a team that was previously struggling with guard-heavy lineups. While he humbly credits his teammates for the team’s resurgence, his contributions have been instrumental in unlocking the potential of the UNC lineup.
Since Withers returned to the starting lineup after a tough loss to Clemson, he has been averaging 11.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during the winning streak. His impressive shooting percentages and defensive prowess have significantly bolstered the Tar Heels’ performance on both ends of the court.
The team’s overall statistics during this unbeaten run reflect Withers’ impact, with improved scoring output, rebounding dominance, and enhanced ball movement leading to better shot selection. Head coach Jon Scheyer of Duke acknowledges that UNC is currently playing at their peak level, showcasing confidence, aggression, and unity on the court.
Withers, who played a key role off the bench in last season’s championship-winning team, has stepped up admirably after a challenging start to this campaign. Despite being initially relegated to a reserve role due to lineup changes, Withers’ resurgence has been a driving force behind North Carolina’s recent resurgence.
As the Tar Heels prepare to face Duke in a pivotal matchup, Withers’ emergence as a linchpin in the team’s success has been a significant storyline in their journey to redemption.
As the only big man on the court, Withers saw his playing time decrease to an average of 10 minutes per game across 17 matches, with some games seeing him play as little as 3 minutes. To stay focused and engaged, Withers frequently consulted with his father and teammates, honed his skills, and reflected on his basketball journey that started at Louisville. Despite the reduced playing time, Withers remained positive, stating, “I’m still in a great position.”
Coach Hubert Davis emphasized to the team that every player’s number will be called at some point, and it is crucial to be prepared when that happens. Withers took this advice to heart and stepped up his game, now sharing the role of primary big man alongside Lubin, averaging 24.3 minutes per game during the team’s recent winning streak.
Although the victories have mostly been against lower-ranked opponents, the improved confidence and teamwork displayed by the Tar Heels are evident. The team is focused on executing the fundamentals, such as reducing turnovers and securing rebounds, which has contributed to their success on the court.
Looking ahead, the team faces a tough challenge against a formidable opponent led by a standout freshman player. Despite the tough matchups, the Tar Heels are motivated to continue their winning ways and make a push for the NCAA tournament.
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