5 things to know about UNC Basketball 2017-18

As the season begins tonight, let's take a look at 5 things you should know about the upcoming season of UNC Basketball.

1. Injuries

The season starts with Joel Berry on the sideline after losing a video game and then losing his head.  Cameron Johnson and Kenny Williams are both nursing ankle injuries as well, so 3/5ths of the potential starting lineup aren't healthy as things start.  The good news is that it presents opportunity for several guys that could be key pieces as the season progresses..

2. Who steps up?

With Berry down, both Seventh Woods and Jalek Felton should get chances at the point guard position.  On the wings if Johnson or Williams aren't ready right away, look for Brandon Robinson to get some extra minutes.  Robinson has shown an ability to score in limited minutes, so I'm intrigued to see him more.   As the Heels get healthy though, you should see the experienced guys get most of the minutes, but you shouldn't undersell the importance of extra minutes early in the season for the bench.

3. Frontcourt

Gone are Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, and Tony Bradley and the Heels didn't bring much in that resembles those guys.  Luke Maye is back and will be asked to bang down low a bit more than he did a season ago.  Maye still has the ability to stretch defenses, but likely will get more minutes at the 5 this season than a year ago.  Garrison Brooks got the start for the Heels in their exhibition against Barton College and scored 13 points while grabbing 9 rebounds.  Brooks should get the first chance to earn big minutes in Roy Williams 2 big system.  Sterling Manley and Brandon Huffman are both big bodies that saw limited minutes in the exhibition.  The thing to watch is how much UNC goes smaller with Maye at the 5 and a player like Theo Pinson at the 4.  Odds are if you see the Heels going small, it's because they are playing from behind.

4. Marathon not a Sprint

With Berry on the sidelines early and the frontcourt only a shade of it was a season ago, don't be surprised to see a slow start from the Heels this season. The pieces are in place, but there was a lot of turnover in the roster in places that are key to UNC's system.  As the Heels get into the conference season and guys get healthy, I fully expect to see a really good team. This team is poised to push the ball and get easy buckets even off made baskets.

5. Defending the Title

Check out this great article from Doc Kennedy.