UNC SG Leslie McDonald was re-instated after missing 9 games for receiving improper benefits in the form of $1,783 in parking tickets and lodging.
So gay.
Anyway, that's great news for UNC. McDonald, along with the much better, and likely first round pick, PJ Hairston, were supposed to be UNC's two main shooting guards and two main shooters, really. Marcus Paige and Nate Britt were to be the point guards. JP Tokoto was going to be a SF.
Instead, with both McDonald and Hairston suspended, Britt has seen increased minutes at PG while Paige has shifted over to play SG, and Tokoto has had to move from SF to SG as well. Basically, we've had a three-player back court so far in Britt, Paige, and Tokoto, with Paige and Tokoto both having to play out of position and cover at SG.
McDonald back is great news. Even though he would not have started over Hairston, he's a capable player who can eat up starter's minutes. This allows Paige to go back to PG and Tokoto to go back to SF where they are each more effective. Because Tokoto had been playing SG, meanwhile, James Michael McAdoo (mostly a PF) had to see time at SF, where he was no threat to shoot from outside either. He can now go back to PF.
Inserting a player who is a proven three point threat and reliable free throw shooter into the lineup, which allows three other good players to return to their natural positions, is a huge benefit for UNC.
Now we just need to get Hairston back and we could contend for a title, possibly.