Nate Britt Helping Tar Heels Move Up in the Rankings
The North Carolina Tar Heels are ranked No. 13 in the nation, have won six straight and 11 of their past 12 overall. However, the Tar Heels are in third place in the ACC behind Duke and Notre Dame.
One of the biggest reasons the Tar Heels have returned to their winning form after going 3-3 earlier in the season is the play of Nate Britt.
Many thought Britt would lose playing time when Joel Berry II arrived at UNC.
Others thought it was an act of desperation when Britt switched his shooting hands from left to right over this past summer.
Both the thoughts have been proven wrong by the talented Britt and earlier this week against the Syracuse Orange he delivered a message loud clear that he is a mainstay in the Tar Heels lineup.
Britt has stepped up his play at just the right time as North Carolina has suffered injuries to Theo Pinson and Berry making it short in its perimeter rotation.
Britt for most of the season has been overlooked, yet finds a way to deliver just when everyone has counted him out.
Following his play in the game against Syracuse, it would seem Britt would be getting more attention. Jim Boeheim the head coach for Syracuse called the Tar Heels guard the difference maker in UNC’s win.
Syracuse defenders finally gave Britt the respect he deserves from 3-point land as they scrambled to cover him around the perimeter.
To start the game, Syracuse paid little attention to Britt outside until he started to hit his 3-pointers, which stretched the Orange defense and helped break down the dreaded zone Orange plays.
North Carolina coach Roy Williams was worried about Britt after his freshman season and spoke to the guard’s father about adjusting his shot during the summer. No one fathomed that Britt would switch shooting hands, but he did.
Williams said Britt’s shot looks better minus a hitch he had when he shot left-handed.
Not all has been good of late for Britt. His paternal grandfather died the night UNC defeated NC State. Britt is sad when speaking about his grandfather but calls him his guardian angel.
The Tar Heels will need Britt and the rest of his teammates going forward into February as the Tar Heels face Louisville January 31 and then No. 2 ranked Virginia on February 2. North Carolina will also play Duke twice over their last six games of the regular season.
North Carolina coaches and players know that another loss could prevent them from winning the ACC regular season title. Because of that, it is important for the team the way Britt has elevated his game.
