North Carolina will head into this week with another top-25 matchup on the horizon. They have not been shy of top-caliber games to start this season, but thus far, they have not made the most of those games.

They went down massive against Kansas and despite the comeback late, still lost. They then went to Maui and lost two of the three games there despite trailing by double figures in each of the three games’ first halves.

With the way things are shaping up, something had to change. The frontcourt of Jae’Lyn Withers and Jalen Washington is not getting the job done and has become a major factor in the first-half deficits that the Tar Heels have faced.

UNC insider Rob Harrington weighs in on this problem with a change in the starting lineup, starting with freshman Drake Powell.

They are moving toward a lineup that will be more efficient. It’s going to involve Drake Powell. If UNC puts Powell in the starting lineup, it will be Washington who moves to the bench. Withers will play the 5 because he gives them more offensive and defensive versatility. Washington is just not getting enough touches to be effective, even though he’s skilled. A change will happen. It’s 50-50 whether it happens for Alabama, but it’s going to be in the next two weeks. Hubert will make this change. The starting frontcourt combo isn’t working. It’s killing the team in the first half.

Powell is averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in 22.3 minutes per game. However, the intensity he brings and the rim protection he can provide is far beyond what his 6-foot-6 frame would indicate.

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