Three Observations from UNC’s Exhibition Matchup Vs. BYU

This marked the first chance to see Wilson compete against outside opposition, taking the floor in a game situation instead of an intrasquad scrimmage and he did not disappoint.

Wilson delivered a double-double in his debut, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He also made his presence felt defensively, recording three blocks and a steal. From tipoff to the final buzzer, Wilson dominated.

“I think there are a number of things that I liked out of this — on and off the court,” North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis said about Wilson. “Having the rhythm and routine of going on the road, traveling, staying in hotels, meetings, shootaround, film — all those things in preparation for the upcoming season — and then playing a quality opponent such as BYU.”

Turnovers Were the Name of the Game

A big story of the game was the turnover battle as turnovers determined the end of the story for Carolina, as the Tar Heels gave it away 19 times—seven more than BYU—and surrendered 16 points off those miscues.

The Tar Heels shot a higher percentage, won the battle on the glass and finished with more assists than the Cougars. But when you turn the ball over, none of those things matter.

Who Will Be the First Big Man Off the Bench?

UNC’s biggest frontcourt question remains unanswered after Friday’s game: the Tar Heels still have not settled on a clear first big man off the bench.

Jarin Stevenson scored nine points and knocked down two threes but is better suited as a forward, lacking the inside presence of Veesaar. James Brown and Zayden High, who had shown offseason progress, combined for just eight minutes—High struggled and Brown was whistled for two illegal screens.

With the season opener just two weeks away, UNC still needs to solidify its frontcourt rotation. BYU looked like the more physical team at times, especially in the first half, and outscored the Tar Heels 44-38 in the paint.