Step Up Time: UNC’s Players to Watch With Trimble Out
When I first heard about the Seth Trimble injury, I didn’t want to immediately focus on how the team will play without him. I wanted to take a moment to consider Seth Trimble’s impact as a Tar Heel—both now and when he returns in six to eight weeks. The reality, though, is that UNC has games to play, and other players will need to step up while Seth takes a spot on the bench. So where does UNC turn? Here are four areas I’ll be paying attention to over the next few games.
It’s easy to proclaim absolutes after tonight’s game versus Radford, but I’m going to hold off until the Michigan State matchup. That will give some new faces time to settle into their roles before I decide what this team looks like without Trimble.
The Transatlantic Option
The easiest place to start is Luka Bogavac and how his role will fill some of the production gap left by Trimble. Luka won’t be delivering a bunch of straight-line drives or highlight-reel dunks yet, but his shooting and basketball IQ should be a factor in the games leading up to Thanksgiving. Luka plays a savvy, fundamentally sound style that makes up for his lack of elite athleticism. Those fundamentals put him in advantageous spots, especially in early-season play when teams are still figuring out how to gel.
I’m More Than a Three
Jonathan Powell has said he’s “More Than a Three,” and now he has a real opportunity to show that side of his game. Powell is a solid defender, and with Trimble out, he can earn more minutes by excelling on that end of the floor. For Hubert Davis to trust a player, they need to be more than a shooter—because none of the offense matters if opponents are slicing straight to the basket. Look at last year’s team: scoring wasn’t always the issue. The problem was stopping teams from driving the lane. Powell has Veesaar and Wilson backing him up, so he can be aggressive on the perimeter. He just needs to funnel his assignment to the right spots, create turnovers and rebounds, spark fast-break opportunities, and knock down those threes that are a big part of his game.
Slow Down the Happy Feet
Zayden High probably receives the most criticism per minute played of any UNC player. When controlled, High has shown athleticism, good passing, and the ability to knock down an open three. The problem is he’s not always sure which play Hubert wants in his limited action. If High can just focus on moving his feet more deliberately and slowing down slightly on offense, the coaching staff may gain confidence in spelling Veesaar, so the center isn’t forced to play 38 minutes in a high-stakes game like he did against Kansas.
Stevenson: The Secret Weapon UNC Hasn’t Fully Seen
Tar Heel fans haven’t seen the full potential of Jaren Stevenson yet. We’ve seen glimpses, but there’s more, and Hubert Davis needs to find a way to unlock it over the next month. A confident Stevenson is a key piece, especially when Trimble returns. His shooting form looks the part of a future pro—consistently knocking down perimeter shots.
What really stands out is his defensive game. He’s not flashy, but when dialed in, he makes it difficult for opponents to get quality looks. His six rebounds against Kansas are a perfect example; if he can grab 5–7 per game with an emphatic block or two, he’ll endear himself to fans. North Carolina doesn’t need Stevenson to be someone he’s not. I’m sure Caleb Wilson will make enough noise for him after sending an opponent’s shot into the Smith Center stands.
Seth Trimble’s absence doesn’t mean the season stops—it just changes the story. Luka, Powell, High, and Stevenson all have opportunities to step into bigger roles and show what they’re capable of. Early-season games are about figuring out rhythm, chemistry, and confidence, and these next few matchups will tell us a lot about how UNC adapts. Keep an eye on these four corners of the floor—they’ll be where the Tar Heels either hold steady or take the next step without one of their leaders.
