Dexter Strickland Returns to Court For First Time Since Tearing ACL

University of North Carolina guard Dexter Strickland, who underwent major knee surgery only six months ago, is back on the court practicing with his teammates. The senior guard is expected to be an integral part of UNC’s success this season, and should compete with freshman Marcus Paige for the starting point guard job. Via ESPN.com: “Although he’s glad to be back, the senior told the school’s official website that he’s not totally back yet. Including mentally. ‘Running up and down the court was different,’ Strickland said. ‘I still have a little limp because of just that mental hesitation. I’m still cautious about what I do and how I do it. I’m not sure yet how much weight I can put on my knee or how fast I can cut.’ The caution isn’t surprising; Strickland, UNC’s starting shooting guard and backup point guard until he got injured, had major surgery only six months ago. Healing takes time. Adjusting takes time. Trust takes time.  But the question now is: How much more time will it take for him to do all of those things? Strickland is expected to compete with freshman Marcus Paige for the starting point guard slot — and whether or not he earns the opening nod, the Tar Heels need Strickland for depth at the ballhandling position. (Luke Davis, who sat out last season as per NCAA transfer rules, is the only other point guard on the roster.) “