Marcus Paige's Hot Start Conjures Memories of Tayshaun Prince's Incredible 5-for-5 Stretch
By Kyle Koster
Paige and North Carolina as a team have been unproductive from long range this year. Suddenly adding that element to an existing arsenal of offensive weaponry could spell doom for up to three future opponents.
Paige’s marksmanship out of the gate should have conjured up memories for Tar Heels fans who were once on the opposite side of an even more impressive display from a southpaw.
During a non-conference game in 2001, Kentucky’s Tayshaun Prince made three-pointers on five consecutive possessions — also in the opening five minutes.
It remains a compelling watch. Even through grainy footage you can tell his fifth triple came from a Lexington suburb.
Much like Paige, Prince wasn’t an especially accurate three-point shooter at the time of his outburst. Paige is shooting 34.6 percent from distance this season while Prince connected on 34 percent of his attempts in 2001-2002.
Obviously Paige’s in-the-zone moment came on a more important stage. But it’s tough to argue putting up 15 points in a five-possession span.
Enough time has passed for those who bleed Carolina to enjoy the trip down memory lane. If not, well, get over it.
Bill Raftery’s comments during the 15-year-old broadcast remain true: there’s just something so appealing about watching a lefty shoot a perfect jumper.