UNC's Michael Malone Already Calling Players Out, and Fans Should Love It

I try not to put too much stock in two exhibition games in college basketball, but North Carolina's 88-70 win over Southern California was a good step in the right direction. 

For head coach Michael Malone, in his first year coaching at North Carolina, it has to feel great to get a win to start things off, even if the games don't count just yet. As for how some of the players looked for North Carolina, a couple of obvious standouts stood out, including Jarin Stevenson. 

Stevenson finished with 25 points, leading the way for the Tar Heels.

Others impressed as well, including Neoklis Avdalas, who finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. 

As for those who struggled, Terrence Brown and Matt Able led the way. 

Struggle might not be the right word considering Brown only played 24 minutes, and Able only played 18, but they were a combined two of eight from the field. Brown went 2-for-5, while Able went 0-for-3, taking all three shots from behind the arc.

Speaking to reporters after this game, Malone had plenty to say about what impressed him. 

However, which I love to see, he also held his guys accountable, including Able and Brown, saying they're a lot better than how they played that night.

“Matt Able and Terrence Brown are a lot better players than what they showed tonight, and we’re going to need them to be a lot better players than they were. And that’s not just on them; I always put it on myself as well. My job as a head coach is to help those guys into the game.

“I can’t wait to watch the film to see all the areas that we have to work on and clean up. But Jarin Stevenson playing the way he did – that’s really pivotal for us. Him being a guy that we can play through, exploit a mismatch, knock down the three-point shot. That is a real weapon, and we look forward to using that to the fullest,” Malone said, per USA Today.

Malone has never been someone who beats around the bush and says guys played the way they should. 

He's a guy who's going to keep everybody accountable, and that's part of the reason why I think this North Carolina team is going to shock some guys.

At the same time, for the Tar Heels to become the team they're looking to be, it'll start with Able and Brown getting downhill and scoring efficiently. 

If they don't do that, things won't be pretty at times on the offensive end.