CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — After North Carolina was able to respond down the stretch and dispatch Elon two nights ago, Jae’Lyn Withers presumed that his appearance in the Tar Heels’ season-opening starting lineup was based at least in part on the frontline of the opposing Phoenix.
Elon had an enormous rim protector in 7-foot-4 center Matthew Van Komen, paired with more stretchy length in 6-10 forward Sam Sherry, and used three 6-8 forwards off the bench Monday night across the course of UNC’s 90-76 victory.
Coach Hubert Davis opted for the 6-9 forward Withers alongside 6-10 big man Jalen Washington in Carolina’s starting lineup, with guards Elliot Cadeau, RJ Davis and Seth Trimble. That choice moved 6-7 swingman Cade Tyson into a supportive role coming off the bench. Tyson had been a starter in UNC’s two exhibition games during the preseason…