Unlocking Ven-Allen Lubin: The Case for Giving Ven-Allen Lubin More Playing Time

Hubert Davis is sitting on the key to success and doesn’t seem to realize it. Ven-Allen Lubin, a transfer who was already highly productive at Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, is statistically one of the most efficient big men in college basketball. Yet, he’s inexplicably averaging only 16 minutes per game for the Tar Heels. The numbers paint a picture of a player who could be All-ACC caliber, but for reasons only Davis knows, Lubin remains underutilized.

The Case for Ven-Allen Lubin

Lubin’s key stats

• 71% True Shooting: Among the Top 20 most efficient offensive players in the country.
• 137.2 Offensive Rating: Top 20 in the nation if qualified.
• Sub-100 Defensive Rating: The best on UNC’s roster, making him one of the team’s most effective defenders.
• Per 100 Possessions: He averages 21 points with just 1.8 turnovers, a ratio that’s unheard of for UNC big men. Washington is at 20 points vs 4.1 turnovers while needing over 3 more shots to do it.

Compare this to Jalen Washington, who gets more minutes but requires significantly more shots to score fewer points while turning the ball over more than twice as often. Washington’s offensive rating is 104 compared to Lubin’s 138—a stark contrast that highlights Lubin’s superior impact on both ends of the court, as he also boasts a better defensive rating. This is further evident in the lineup data.

Proven Track Record

This isn’t a case of a player who suddenly flashed potential in limited minutes. Lubin was already a productive player last season in the SEC, logging 29 minutes per game at Vanderbilt. He showcased his ability to rebound, block shots, and score efficiently in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. He’s proven that his skill set translates, yet Davis continues to play him sparingly.

While it’s true that the Jerry Stackhouse-coached Vanderbilt team struggled, Lubin could only control what was within his responsibility. He ranked highly in numerous SEC categories and advanced stats, performing at a high level in significant minutes. He also demonstrated his productivity at Notre Dame. Over 1,500+ college minutes, Lubin has consistently delivered whenever he’s been on the court. At UNC, with more talent around him, his contributions could be even more impactful.

The “Wake Forest Game” Example

UNC’s recent one-point loss to Wake Forest underscores the mismanagement of Lubin’s minutes. In just 20 minutes, he delivered:

• 6 points
• 7 rebounds
• 1 block
• 1 steal
• 0 turnovers
• 2 fouls

Meanwhile, the combination of Washington and Jalen Withers logged 21 minutes, contributing just 3-7 shooting, 4 rebounds, and a frustrating 3 turnovers. Claude also played 4 minutes, adding only 1 rebound and 2 fouls with no other contributions. It’s hard not to wonder if giving Lubin even 5 more minutes—let alone 30+—would’ve changed the outcome of that game. With his productivity, playing Lubin more likely secures the win in games like this.

Even in other losses, Lubin has been highly productive. In the three-point loss to Michigan State, he scored 9 points on 3-3 shooting, grabbed 3 rebounds, and played just 12 minutes. In the one-point loss to Stanford before Wake Forest, he played more, logging 13 points on 5-8 shooting with 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. Meanwhile, Washington went 4-9 (44%) for 8 points and 4 rebounds in 16 minutes, with a game score of 3.7 compared to Lubin’s 10.9.

Here’s a wild idea: maybe play him more. Even an extra 5 minutes in games like these could have flipped a one-point or three-point loss. It’s worth noting that against Stanford, Lubin had just 1 foul in 24 minutes. There’s no reason to keep limiting the most productive big man on the team.

What UNC Needs

The Tar Heels need exactly what Lubin provides:

• Elite finishing around the basket (20th in NCAA FG% currently which he does qualify for).
• He has a stellar block rate.
• Rebounding on both ends of the floor.

He’s the most efficient player on the team and arguably one of the most efficient in the nation. Playing him more minutes isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessity if UNC hopes to unlock its full potential. This has been evident all season, as his consistent production on both ends of the court speaks for itself. Continuing to limit his minutes not only hinders the team’s success but also wastes the opportunity to capitalize on the contributions of a player who has proven his value time and time again.

The Clock Is Ticking

History suggests that coaches often wait too long to “unleash” players like Lubin. By the time they recognize their value, it’s usually out of desperation, and it’s often too late to salvage the season. This realization typically comes in the final ten games, so keep an eye out for it. For UNC, that moment is approaching rapidly. Hubert Davis needs to trust the numbers and give Lubin the role he has already proven he deserves.

This isn’t just about analytics—it’s about winning. If Davis doesn’t see that soon, UNC fans may look back on this season as a missed opportunity, one caused by the coach’s inability to recognize the obvious and make the necessary change.