NCAA Basketball Season Preview: North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC)
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It is pretty amazing how the Tar Heels fell apart last year. There was talent all over the roster including Ed Davis, who was a lottery pick, but once they got beaten they couldn’t figure out how to get off the mat.
This year North Carolina has turned over a significant part of their roster, especially in the frontcourt where they lost 4 players 6’9″ or bigger. But they have also had another significant talent infusion and players who were thrust into action last season under fire now have more experience under their belt. UNC always has talent but I think a return to the nation’s elite is a bit premature…
A return to the tournament is a given.
Additions
Harrison Barnes – Premier frosh who some think is a national player of the year candidate. Only time will tell.
Reggie Bullock – A good shooter and defender who will force his way into the rotation.
Justin Knox – A transfer from Alabama will help replace some of the bulk that left.
Subtractions
Ed Davis – A skinny big who never busted out.
Deon Thompson – A less talented big who maxed out his potential.
Marcus Ginyard – A glue guy who was reliable and led the team in effort.
Key Players
Harrison Barnes – A super frosh without a doubt, he has great athleticism and immediately becomes their best player.
John Henson – Last year’s frosh sensation really disappointed and I just don’t see his game getting to an elite level.
Larry Drew II – As the point guard he runs the engine.
Surprising Stat – 9 – That is the place the Tar Heels finished in the ACC last year after going 5-11 in conference. Three times they had ACC losing streaks of three games or more. They also lost an amazing 8 conference games by double digits. Yes I am still talking about UNC here.
Strengths – Their greatest strength might just be a fresh start. Last year was so toxic that it is probably best they are counting on a player that wasn’t around contributing to the debacle. Barnes better be everything they hope he is or else this season may be a disappointment as well. He is fortunate to be part of a nice group of freshman that will contribute in a variety of ways.
Weaknesses – Size. UNC usually has a plethora of talented bigs but this year they had to import some muscle in Knox. They still have 7 footer Tyler Zeller but he can’t stay healthy and Henson may be tall but playing big is not his thing. They may get pushed around a bit this year which is rare.
Post Season – The Tar Heels should definitely rebound and participate in March Madness again. But like their best player a one and done performance might be it.
Championship Odds 18/1
Projected wins 24
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