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No. 18 UNC Hosts NC Central as Trimble’s Injury Forces Early Lineup Shuffle

KenPom projects a lopsided result, creating a chance to build depth during Seth Trimble’s recovery.

Overview

  • North Carolina is 3-0 after an 89-74 win over Radford, where Luka Bogavac made his first start and scored 19 points.
  • Seth Trimble underwent arm surgery and his return timetable remains uncertain, prompting expanded roles for multiple guards and wings.
  • Models rate NC Central a heavy underdog with a 1-3 record and a No. 347 KenPom rank, highlighting a size disadvantage against UNC’s frontcourt.
  • Eagles guard Gage Lattimore has emerged as the primary threat with 19.3 points per game and 52.3% three-point shooting, including a 38-point outing vs. Bluefield State.
  • Early UNC concerns include sub-30% three-point shooting, bouts of turnovers without a true primary point guard, and limited proven depth behind starters Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.