Predicting North Carolina's Bench Output Against SMU

While speaking with the media during his postgame press conference, the 55-year-old head coach highlighted the rotation consisting of Derek Dixon, Kyan Evans, and Jonathan Powell, explaining how that specific group exposed Florida State's aggressive defense.

• "Yeah, you know, one of the things against Florida State that is really good defensively, they get a lot of steals, deflections, they've got length, versatility, athleticism," Davis said. "And so, in order to run any type of offense, you need multiple ball handlers, guys that can make plays, get us into our offense."

North Carolina may require a similar performance against SMU in a tough road matchup on Saturday afternoon. Here is how the bench could perform against the Mustangs.

Jarin Stevenson

Stat line prediction: 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block

Stevenson has settled into his revised role seamlessly, operating as an energizer off the bench. The Alabama transfer serves as a fantastic piece to relieve Henri Veesaar or Caleb Wilson, or to fill in at the small forward position alongside those two, forming an intimidating defensive lineup against opposing teams.

He is not going to score double-digit points, but he will contribute on defense and on the glass, which is how the Tar Heels maximize their offensive production on the other end of the floor.

Jonathan Powell

Stat line prediction: 7 points and 4 rebounds

Over the last few games, Powell has been given playing time shortly after the opening tip-off. Despite being a bench player, the sophomore forward has quickly been inserted into games, showing how much trust he has earned from Davis and the coaching staff.

If that trend continues on Saturday, Powell could have an opportunity to produce early and often against the Mustangs. Powell's length on defense and ability to stretch the floor on offense have expedited the development of his role for North Carolina.

Derek Dixon

Stat line prediction: 5 points and 3 assists

While Dixon has not been effective from the field, he does contribute in other ways, including opening up open looks for his teammates.

The freshman guard is always a threat to hit multiple shots from the outside, which is what provides those extra spaces for others along the perimeter.

• UNC Freshman RB Announces Intent To Return in 2026
• UNC Named School to Watch for Three-Star Transfer Quarterback
• Tar Heels Coach Discusses Wilson-Veesaar Tandem
• Why Hubert Davis Wants UNC to Shoot More 3s