Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I'm Starting to Like What I See From These Tar Heels

I'm under no delusions of grandeur. Winning a NIT championship doesn't take the ultimate sting of not getting into the actual NCAA Tournament. But I like what I'm seeing from the North Carolina Tar Heels.

This team could be back in the thick of things next year ... provided Ed Davis sticks around one more year (I think he will).

Davis takes the center spot. John Henson, who has emerged during the last few weeks, will be at power forward. Freshman phenom Harrison Barnes will fit right in at small forward. That front line could be among the best in the nation. Then figure their reserves are Tyler Zeller, David Wear and Travis Wear and this is a nice rotation.

The issue will be the backcourt where there are some intriguing options. Rising junior Larry Drew II has started to get it over the last couple of weeks. Incoming freshman Kendall Marshall will push Drew for the starting point guard. Marshall doesn't have Drew's speed, but he is an outstanding passer.

The shooting guard spot is also interesting. You have rising sophomore Dexter Strickland, who at times looks lost. You also could move Will Graves up to that spot, though you may lose something defensively. You also have incoming freshman Reggie Bullock who is a Wayne Ellington type of player.

Leslie McDonald also factors in the backcourt as a combo guard and Justin Watts should get a few minutes.

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