UNC's smaller lineup creates more offense, defense versatility

With key players out, Tar Heels turn to speed and quickness to pull away from Pittsburgh

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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With Caleb Wilson out indefinitely with a fractured left hand and Henri Veesaar sidelined by illness, No. 11 North Carolina turned to a smaller, quicker lineup to defeat Pittsburgh 79-65. The Tar Heels pushed the tempo, spread the floor, and relied on their guards to create more space and ball movement on offense. Defensively, the smaller lineup allowed UNC to switch everything and play a more aggressive, swarming style. Freshman point guard Derek Dixon, Zayden High, and Jarin Stevenson all had standout performances in the win.

Why it matters

North Carolina's usual starting frontcourt of Wilson and Veesaar has been a key part of their identity this season. With those two out, the Tar Heels had to quickly adapt their style of play, showing their versatility and ability to win in different ways. This performance highlighted the depth and adaptability of the UNC roster, which will be important as they navigate the rest of the ACC schedule.

The details

Without Wilson and Veesaar, UNC played a smaller, quicker lineup that emphasized ball movement, spacing, and transition offense. Freshman point guard Derek Dixon tied his season-high with 7 assists and grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds. Zayden High made his first career start and delivered career-highs with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Jarin Stevenson scored a season-high 19 points. Defensively, the Tar Heels were able to switch everything 1-4, playing a more aggressive, swarming style.

  • Caleb Wilson is out indefinitely with a fractured left hand.
  • Henri Veesaar was sidelined by illness for the Pittsburgh game.

The players

Derek Dixon

Freshman point guard who tied his season-high with 7 assists and grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds.

Zayden High

Made his first career start and delivered career-highs with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Jarin Stevenson

Scored a season-high 19 points in the win over Pittsburgh.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we moved the ball really well, body and player movement. It gave us good spacing. A lot of shooters on the floor now, so it definitely gives us more space to drive.”

— Derek Dixon, Freshman point guard (Tar Heel Tribune)

“Coach always preaches defense. If we get stops, then we can run in transition... we got a lot of stops today, we were able to get out in transition and run the break.”

— Zayden High, Freshman forward (Tar Heel Tribune)

“Offensively, I think us as guards, we're relied on definitely more [Saturday]. We played out of the ball screen a lot more at the end of the shot clock. Defensively, we switched one through four on and off the ball.”

— Seth Trimble, Sophomore guard (Tar Heel Tribune)

What’s next

The Tar Heels know the formula may have to hold in the days ahead, even if Veesaar is back for Tuesday's 7 p.m. game at N.C. State (ESPN).

The takeaway

North Carolina's performance against Pittsburgh showed the team's depth and adaptability, as they were able to quickly adjust their style of play to overcome the absences of key players. This versatility will be crucial as the Tar Heels navigate the rest of the ACC schedule.