Every opponent presents unique challenges that can either exploit your weaknesses or highlight your strengths. For example, last week against the Michigan Spartans, the North Carolina Tar Heels’ lack of depth, experience, and cohesion was on full display.
The Spartans have four players who have played together for at least three years. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s starting lineup consists of one freshman and four transfer players. Fast forward to this week, and the Tar Heels will be facing the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night.
Michigan State and Kentucky are vastly different teams. The Spartans want to operate at a methodical level and play at a controlled half-court basketball. On the other hand, the Wildcats want to run up and down the floor, creating easy baskets and chaos for their opponents.
It’s a complex match-up because North Carolina would like to play somewhere in the middle of these two spectrums. As mentioned, each week, a team’s opponent will possess different skill sets, strengths, and weaknesses that create a unique matchup…