Low-post returning starter Kennedy Meeks could be an X-factor for the No. 6 North Carolina men’s basketball team this season. After losing nearly 50 pounds, Meeks is hoping his body transformation translates into more dominant play.

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UNC head coach Roy Williams has been challenging his players throughout the offseason. Who is going to rise up and stand alongside Marcus Paige as an elite performer?

“I’ve said this so many times I’m already sick of hearing it myself, but one or two of those guys needs to step and say, ‘I’m going to be a big-time player.’ I don’t think anybody questions that last year; Marcus stepped up and said, ‘I’m going to be a big-time player.’ Now, one of the post players has to step up, say that and not just be willing to run up and down the court and wait on Marcus to do something,” Coach Williams says.

Meeks (Todd Melet)

Meeks (Todd Melet)

Meeks believes the Tar Heels relied too heavily on Paige’s play a year ago. The sophomore from Charlotte says other teammates are ready to lift the heavy scoring burden off Paige’s shoulders this season.

“I don’t think we need to carry as much weight on Marcus as we did last year. I think we looked to him in situations more than we should have, but he always came through for us in every situation that we asked him to. He’s always going to be the No. 1 scorer, but I think me and Brice [Johnson] could be the ones that step up,” Meeks says.

Meeks should be much better equipped to run the floor at the frenetic pace Coach Williams likes to employ. Meeks says he’s proud of his weight loss, but sometimes, he has to do a double-take when he looks at himself in the mirror.

“I try not to be conceited about it, but it’s hard not to when you really know you’ve put the work in. I try not to be too conceited about it, but I’m very proud of myself,” Meeks says.

In his freshman campaign, Meeks earned ACC-All Freshman team honors from both the media and head coaches. But he was clearly gassed in numerous games, forcing him to take a seat on the bench.

Coach Williams says Meeks’ weight loss efforts are far tougher than what he’s asking him to do on the court. With that said, though, he says he wants the sophomore to be more aggressively-minded going forward.

“He’s running better and is more explosive. I want him to be more aggressive thinking. That doesn’t mean foul people. Get the ball and go stronger to the basket. You’re not carrying 285-295, explode up there and get it closer to the rim when you do it. I think he’s got to realize he’s worked his tail off to do something. He came in at 319. He’s in the 270-275 range now. That’s a lot more difficult than what I’m asking to do as a basketball player,” Coach Williams says.

UNC’s preseason practices have been tough. Meeks says he never forgets his mouth guard and calls the training “vicious”.

But so far, Meeks is happy with what he’s seeing from the Tar Heels.

Meeks addresses media members (The Daily Tar Heel)

Meeks addresses media members (The Daily Tar Heel)

“In practice, we’re hitting a lot more three-point shots. Also, we’re getting the ball in the post and being aggressive. I think that’s what is going to help our team this year – both on the perimeter and inside. I think it’s a great experience for us. I think we should continue to work on it,” Meeks says.

It remains to be seen whether Meeks will truly become the dominant inside threat that his teammates and many observers project he’ll be this season, but one thing’s for certain, his body won’t be the thing holding him back.