UNC's lack of post depth is a glaring problem

Just two games into their new roles as starters in UNC's frontcourt, Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High are playing great basketball, particularly given an otherwise lack of post depth.

With Caleb Wilson out indefinitely and Henri Veesaar listed as day-to-day, North Carolina is down to just Stevenson and High. The Tar Heels try rotating Jonathan Powell in at the four, giving Stevenson and High breathers, but little else works.

You may not hear these next two names a lot, but UNC also has James Brown and Ivan Matlekovic on its roster. Brown is a 6'10" center, initially part of North Carolina's 2024 recruiting class, but he plays sparingly. Matlekovic, a 7-foot transfer from High Point University, has just two points in seven appearances.

With a fully healthy roster, Brown and Matlekovic make a very small impact. Right now, with the Tar Heels down to two healthy big men, they need Brown and Matlekovic.

There's just one issue: Brown and Matlekovic are injured. Even if they're simply standing in the paint defending, or waiting for easy lobs from guards, Brown and Matlekovic give UNC needed big bodies to give High and Stevenson some much-needed rest.

Stevenson anchored North Carolina in court time each of its last two games: an 82-58 loss at NC State on Tuesday, preceded by a 79-65 win over Pitt on Saturday. High is quickly proving himself as a reliable starting option – and will see plentiful court time in the near future.

Taller teams will eat the Tar Heels alive without their top two scorers. Hopefully, UNC will get Veesaar, Brown and/or Matlekovic back soon.

Follow us  @TarHeelsWire  on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on  Facebook  to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC needs James Brown and Ivan Matlekovic back for post depth