Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tokoto's new role
By Matt Giles
Upon first glance, it doesn't seem that J.P. Tokoto has had much of an influence on North Carolina in his first season. The wing has found himself stuck at the Tar Heels' most crowded position, and per Ken Pomeroy, is only using roughly a third of UNC's minutes while attempting a scant 19 percent of the squad's shots. However, the 6-foot-5 Tokoto has played nearly 20 minutes in consecutive games, and as the ACC slate progresses, could see much more playing time.
The reason, though, is somewhat surprising -- P.J. Hairston is not in Roy Williams' good graces at the moment. After the loss to North Carolina State, Williams was upset with Hairston's pursuit of a loose ball, saying that he couldn't 'stomach' not diving in a 50/50 opportunity and as a result, will give other Tar Heels -- like Tokoto -- additional 'chances'.
However, in order to succeed against Boston College, UNC will need Hairston'e production. Only Reggie Bullock is more offensively efficient this season, and Hairston's outside touch will be needed to free the interior for the penetration of Marcus Paige and open lanes for James Michael McAdoo to operate in. Andrew Carter of the Fayetteville News and Observer also makes an interesting observation: BC typically uses four guards, and if Hairston indeed sits through most of the tilt, what type of lineup, size-wise, will Williams use?
