Player Profile: Theo Pinson

Theo Pinson-Sophomore, SG/SF, 6-6, 205 lbs

2014-2015 Stats: 2.8 PPG 36.8% FG 26.9% 3PT 3.0 REB 1.5 AST 0.7 STL 0.2 BLK 12.5 MIN 14.8 PER 0.9 WS

What Happened Last Year:

Pinson never really found his shot in his first year with the Heels, struggling to hit even his wide open threes. Pinson also struggled for minutes in an injury plagued campaign. Early in the season Pinson was given opportunities to earn significant playing time while Carolina played its nonconference schedule. However, he had difficulties adjusting to the college game and failed to make a significant impact in the games he appeared in. As the season progressed and Carolina began ACC play, Pinson appeared for fewer minutes in each game before getting hurt against in his hometown against Wake Forest. The rest of his season was basically lost after that as he played just 23 more minutes across five games. The constant throughout his campaign was the inability for him to establish a consistent jump shot. As Nate Britt emerged and Justin Jackson found his shooting stroke, Pinson was pushed farther backwards on the bench.

Season Outlook:

Pinson figures to be a larger part of the team this year and is considered a player with the inside track to a starting spot at SG. In Pinson, the coaching staff sees a ready-made replacement for J.P. Tokoto. Pinson is long and is by far Carolina's most athletic wing player. This year he figures to draw the assignment of defending the opposing team's best wing player. The flaws in his shooting should not matter as much this year since Justin Jackson and Marcus Paige(when he returns from injury) should be able to stretch the floor while Kennedy Meeks and Brice Johnson each possess enough range to keep their defenders out of the paint. Pinson can be a slasher from the wing and make a big impact on the offensive end as a cutter and an offensive rebounder. Finally, over the summer Pinson supposedly reworked his shot and removed the hitch that he had when bringing the ball to his waist last season. If his shot improves to the point that he hits in the mid 30s from 3, then he could become the type of role player on the wing that the Heels have not had since Danny Green.