LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Malik Monk #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives against Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kentucky won 103-100. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Title contender reportedly losing key contributor for the rest of the season

He was playing so well!

North Carolina guard Kenny Williams barely got any playing time his freshman season with Marcus Paige and Joel Berry ahead of him, but he's made the most of his increased minutes —-he went from averaging 4.2 a game to almost 24 —- as he's scoring 6.2 points a game and shooting a respectable 33.8 percent from beyond the arc. However, it looks like his contributions won't be pouring in anymore this season as he suffered a knee injury against North Carolina State on Wednesday night.

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UNC relies heavily on its bench as 11 players are averaging eight minutes or more. Williams was also a strong defender and has guarded guys like Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Grayson Allen and other elite guards so his defensive expertise will be missed as well.

[h/t The Spun]