If only Brandon Robinson’s injury could help Carolina in the long run.

Hopefully, B-Rob’s ankle sprain doesn’t resemble Leaky Black’s that lasted six weeks a year ago, and that the mishap will get the Tar Heels’ other perimeter players ready sooner.

Black, graduate transfers Christian Keeling and Justin Pierce, and even reserve Andrew Platek will all see enhanced minutes starting with tonight’s ACC and regular-season opener against Notre Dame. However, none of them has started a game in the ACC, let alone against one of the most disciplined teams in the conference.

One positive of having six new players to replace four starters lost is that the seven-man rotation is just about set. Senior Robinson, Junior Garrison Brooks, sophomore Black and freshmen Cole Anthony and Armando Bacot, plus the two transfers, emerged from preseason practice as a White Team rotation. But was it by default?

Carolina doesn’t have nearly the talent level as last season, and additional playing time will be welcomed by everyone who either starts or comes off the bench as the first wave of subs. But this is a trap game if I’ve ever seen one. The Fighting Irish of Coach Mike Brey are always one of the best-coached teams in the ACC. And their ball-screening motion offense will put a premium on UNC’s defense because they usually get the best shot available.

Williams has already called Leaky Black the most important member of this team. At 6-8 and very athletic, he can play any of the first four positions from point guard to power forward. He missed so much time last year that it was impossible to measure how much his loss meant to the overall development of the team.

Early in the season, Tar Heel Sports Network color analyst and former Carolina star Eric Montross gushed over how much he looked forward to watching Black learn the college game since his talent spoke for itself. Then he got lost in the shuffle of other players getting time. Maybe B-Rob’s absence can get him a few more minutes, plus help the newcomers get adjusted more quickly.

They will need it against Notre Dame. The Heels are thin on depth and now experience, and this is no way to start the ACC schedule.

Featured image via Todd Melet

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