UNC Basketball: Center Outlook

Although there will be plenty of fresh faces on next years roster, Center is staying the same.

We will discuss North Carolinas two returning big men and what they bring. Both will be huge pieces of next years team.

Starter

• Armando Bacot– Returning for a fifth season, Bacot is an already accomplished big man. A force down low, Bacot is North Carolinas all time leading rebounder and holds the record for most double-doubles with 68. We know what he brings, scoring down low often, while also occasionally shooting a mid-range shot. An interesting area we may see improved next season is his three point shooting. Before his senior year, many believed Bacot would show this off. Will we see this become a major part of Bacots game next season? Time will tell, but adding this to an already dominant post game can only help North Carolina. Another season with Bacot is exciting, as he is already a 3-time All-ACC player. If not for a badly injured ankle, Bacot may be a National Champion as well.

Off the Bench

• Jalen Washington– Hubert Davis once said “He’s the best shooting big man coming out of high school that I’ve ever seen.” In limited action his freshman season, Washington showed he could make the mid-range and shot a couple of threes as well. Although he did not make any, the confidence is there. Last year, he had to work his way back from injury. Before knee issues, Washington was a 5-Star prospect. He has the length to be a defensive menace around the rim. We know that he and his coaches believe in his shooting ability. We have seen his touch and know he can space the floor. With more time, Washington very well may bloom into the next great Center for North Carolina.

Although you have two very talented players at Center, the roster is thin here. If an injury were to occur, you only have one guy to play the role. Hubert Davis is not afraid to go small. The good news is, this position is one of the Tar Heels most talented. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, North Carolina should dominate down low.