What is this UNC team capable of?
North Carolina is heading into the season with a lot of unknowns. How much will the bench play? Who steps up? Will a team full of new pieces be able to mesh early? We hope so. This squad has a lot of upperclassmen. It is set to be a rebound year after last season’s unfortunate downward spiral.
Predictions
North Carolina is very talented. They have the pieces to compete against the very best. The worry is chemistry with so many new players. If that is not an issue, the sky is the limit.
How could he not be the pick? RJ Davis may have something to say about that, but for now, Bacot is the pick. The 5th-year big man is a preseason all-American and will push his own records at UNC far past touchable this season. Knowing it’s his last year, we expect big things from Bacot.
- Breakout: Jalen Washington
Finally healthy, Washington has had all summer to prepare and get into great game shape. He looked really good in the exhibition and at the late-night event. On top of that, rumors spread that he was one of the best players in UNC’s ‘secret scrimmage’ against FAU.
- Biggest Surprise: Jae’Lyn Withers
Surprise may not be a great word here. Withers is a very skilled hybrid forward. He can shoot it from deep and has the athleticism to do great things on the wing. On top of that, he is in a new system that may fit him much better than Louisville’s did.
This is a tough one to pick. North Carolina could finish first if everything goes smoothly and the players mesh well. They could also finish much lower if they aren’t able to match up with more athletic teams and get stops.
- NCAA Tournament: Four Seed
UNC plays a very tough schedule. Can they make it through non-conference games without more than four losses? That will be key to how the season plays out. UCONN, Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament will not be easy. The Tar Heels have to find at least four or five wins in those games.
You always want them to them win it all. Realistically, this should be a very solid team that makes the tournament and has a chance to compete and win every game they play. Because of a few holes, the second weekend of the tournament is where we see the season coming to a close.
Carolina basketball is finally back!
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