Jaydon Young has never lacked energy or confidence. Now the UNC senior is using those qualities to push his teammates, including Jarin Stevenson, as Michael Malone’s first Tar Heel team begins to take shape.
Jaydon Young may not enter the season as North Carolina’s biggest name, but he could become one of the most important voices inside the Tar Heel locker room.
That much was apparent Thursday.
Young has long played with an emotional edge: talking, competing, defending teammates, and bringing energy whether he is on the floor or the sideline. As North Carolina begins its first season under Michael Malone, the senior guard appears ready to use that personality to help bring something extra out of his teammates.
One of those teammates is Jarin Stevenson.
Young believes the veteran forward is beginning to show a more aggressive side as preseason practice gets underway.
“I think he’s getting a little more of it, actually,” Young said Thursday. “We’re bringing it out of him.”
Young offered an intriguing assessment of Stevenson, saying the 6-foot-10 senior may not fully understand just how talented he is.
That’s where teammates like Young come in.
Young described constantly giving Stevenson positive reinforcement and encouraging him to attack. He said Stevenson has been scoring at a high level and particularly praised his willingness to get downhill and finish aggressively at the rim.
Young even offered a bold prediction for Stevenson’s future.
“My take on Jarin is he’ll be shaking someone’s hand next year,” Young said (an unmistakable reference to hearing his name called in the 2027 NBA Draft).
That confidence in a teammate reveals something important about Young’s own role.
North Carolina might have more heralded scorers and NBA prospects on its roster. Young’s minutes will have to be earned in a crowded backcourt featuring Terrence Brown, Matt Able, Neoklis Avdalas, Isaiah Denis, Angelo Brizzi, and others.
But leadership doesn’t necessarily depend upon starting or playing 30 minutes per game.
Young is one of the few players who experienced last season at Carolina and returned for Michael Malone’s first year. The Tar Heels have 11 newcomers, meaning established voices who understand both the university and the expectations surrounding the program could carry additional weight.
Young appears comfortable filling that role.
His personality also seems to complement Stevenson, who admitted Thursday that he is naturally more reserved. Malone has challenged Stevenson to become more assertive, while Young and his teammates are doing their part to encourage that transformation.
It’s a small glimpse into how this entirely reconstructed Carolina roster is coming together.
Malone can install the offense. He can create defensive schemes. He can demand intensity.
But ultimately, the players have to push one another.
Young seems more than willing to do that.
Whether his own on-court role winds up being large or small, the senior guard can provide something every successful team needs: an emotional spark willing to challenge, encourage, and believe in the people around him.
And if Stevenson has a breakout senior season, Young might deserve at least a little credit for helping light the fuse.
