The season already is evolving for No. 18 North Carolina as it tries to get through the next stretch of games without one of its top players.An off-court injury to swingman Seth Trimble forced a lineup adjustment this week. The Tar Heels (3-0) will see how that works out Friday when North Carolina Central (1-3) visits Chapel Hill, N.C.Luka Bogavac made his first career start Tuesday night for the Tar Heels, who ran past Radford in an 89-74 victory.”Luka has the ability to be able to score in many different ways,” North Carolina coach Hubert Davis said. “He’s a four-level scorer, whether it’s from 3, mid-range to the basket and also can get fouled and get to the free-throw line.”The length of Trimble’s absence is uncertain after he had surgery for an arm injury.The Tar Heels will play their fourth of five straight home outings to begin the season. At least four North Carolina players have scored in double figures in all three games.North Carolina Central won its home opener Wednesday night by topping Bluefield State 77-61.Despite not winning during the first week of the season, the Eagles received Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference recognition with Gage Lattimore named the Player of the Week and Khouri Carvey tabbed as the Defensive Player of the Week. Then Lattimore scored 38 points versus the Big Blues.This will be NC Central’s third Atlantic Coast Conference opponent after losses to North Carolina State and Virginia.”Eventually they just wear you down,” Eagles coach LeVelle Moton said.Moton knows the Tar Heels will have advantages.”We can’t simulate that size in practice,” he said.With Bogavac moving into the North Carolina starting lineup, it gives the Tar Heels a chance to build depth with other players.”We’re sad that Seth is not able to play right now, but it is a wonderful opportunity for a number of guys that will get extended minutes and help us with our depth,” Davis said.
