A season after North Carolina finished off a magical run to another national championship the Heels may be a victim of their own success. UNC loses 80% of their lineup as Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Tyler Hansbrough are all making money to play hoops these days. Roy Williams returns a solid base and adds a great freshmen class to a team that many experts are picking Top 5 in preseason polls.
North Carolina's strength is in the frontcourt where Roy Williams has numerous options. Deon Thompson is the sole returning starter and is solid big man with a solid postgame. Thompson has had to defer for his entire tenure at UNC with Tyler Hansbrough beside him, but now has a chance to stand out. Beside Thompson will likely be Ed Davis, and while Davis didn't start much as a freshmen, he often finished games. The long left-hander reminds some in Chapel Hill of Sam Perkins but for the comparisons to be fulfilled, Davis needs to assert himself more on the offensive end. If Davis doesn't live up to expectations, there is plenty of help on the bench. Tyler Zeller returns for his sophomore season and would be starting for 99% of the NCAA teams. Zeller runs the floor well, knocks down the perimeter jumpshot, blocks shots, but sometimes struggles to assert himself in the paint. As a sophomore Zeller needs to become more physical and could very easily slide into the starting lineup before the season is over. Its hard not to pin the next two guys together, as twins Travis and David Wear are very similar on the floor. Both Wears are smart players, can pass the ball, knock down open shots on the perimeter and love to be physical and rebound.
On the wing UNC will have a shift in skillsets as the departure of Danny Green and his solid jumpshot transitions to John Henson. Henson is yet another long lefthander, although his game is much different than Ed Davis. Henson stands 6'10" with a wingspan of 7'4" but can handle the ball like a guard. He has the skills to play facing the basket and with the depth in the post, Roy Williams has asked the youngster to play on the perimeter. If Henson starts making his perimeter jumpshot, the youngster could be virtually unstoppable.
In the backcourt, Roy Williams runs into more question marks, starting with replacing Ty Lawson. Lawson's ability to push the ball down the floor on the dribble will no longer make for easy baskets as Larry Drew II steps in. Drew is an accomplished prep player, but has yet to establish himself as a threat to opposing defenses. Williams has said he will ask Drew to pass the ball down the floor when trying to push tempo. Drew will have experience beside him in the backcourt as Marcus Ginyard returns after red-shirting last season. Ginyard has started for UNC in 2 of his seasons on campus and may be the top defender in the ACC. Ginyard's size, strength, and positioning makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive players. On the offensive side of the ball, Ginyard is solid with the ball, but his shot is less consistent than you would hope for a starting shooting guard in the ACC.
If Roy Williams needs perimeter fire power, he'll likely turn to Will Graves. Graves was suspended last February for undisclosed reasons, but is the Heels best returning 3 point shooter. Graves has good size for a perimeter player, but for him to get minutes he has to knock down the 3 point shot. Two freshmen, Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland, will be fighting to find a place in the rotation as well. Strickland is likely to backup Larry Drew at point and is a better shooter and better athlete than Drew. Strickland lacks the defensive skills, polish, and decision making right now, but if he's a quick learner could see his minutes increase. Like Strickland, Leslie McDonald will come off the bench to begin the season but unlike Strickland, McDonald is a good defensive player and sound fundamental player. McDonald can also shoot the ball and may threaten to take Ginyard's minutes if the senior struggles offensively.
There is no doubt that Roy Williams has a number of weapons to choose from this season. That said the question marks are numerous and the rest of the NCAA would love to get a few licks in on UNC early. Just ask Vanderbilt. UNC recently played Vandy in a "secret scrimmage" and reportedly saw Vandy win by double-figures. Recently Williams called the Vandy effort "ugly", but has stated that the Heels have made a lot of progress since the game.
Enough negatives, this team will be very good and will contend for an ACC title and perhaps even repeat as national champions. Williams needs to find the right mesh of talent and experience on the floor which may be difficult with this roster. Reports are that Williams will be implementing a new offense that will accent his post players ability to find the opening cutter. New offense or not, its hard to see these Heels matching the offensive efficiency of last season's team. More likely, this team needs to make their mark on the defensive end. If they put their focus on defense with the size, athleticism, and length on the floor the Heels could have a very good season.
by The Webmaster
Fantasy Player to Watch
John Henson presents tough matchups for opposing defenders and should make a living attacking the basket this season. With Henson's size expect to see his rebound, steal, and block numbers to help your fantasy team as well.
