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North Carolina Tar Heels: What Happens Now

By John Woodcock

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) looks to pass to forward Theo Pinson (1) during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) looks to pass to forward Theo Pinson (1) during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Przemek Karnowski (24) is defended by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Tony Bradley (5) in the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Joel Berry Stays (most likely)

Berry’s season had a great start and somehow a great finish. It was not so great in the middle. He has injured all of his ankles and likely some other parts too. That would make it less likely that he is ready for NBA workouts, and scouts would only have his last few tortured performances to try and figure out where he is right now.

  1. Tony Bradley Stays (most likely)

This seemed like a no-brainer until Bradley announced he would try the draft process. The draft process is easier to get into and out of these days, and the rules allow one dry run before you are committed to the process. Bradley currently carries a second round grade (as in no guaranteed contract) and his physical gifts are undeniable. He has tremendous length, but he didn’t show true command of his game last season. Exploration now could mean that Bradley only plans to stick around until next summer when he leaves early for real.

North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball
North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball /

North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball

  1. Enter Jalek Felton, Sterling Manley, Brandon Huffman, and Andrew Platek

The current four man signing class will bring in some freshmen to fill the holes left by some of the people leaving. Felton is a five star point guard recruit and 6’4” so he could likely get starting time right away. Manley and Huffman are post players. If Bradley leaves, one of these guys will start right away. If Bradley stays, Coach Williams will have to decide how he wants to use these guys and Luke Maye. It could be he likes Maye’s current role.

Platek would be the long term replacement for Jackson, but Pinson will likely be the holder of that spot in the lineup with Kenny Williams or Brandon Robinson to back him up for now.

  1. Luke Maye

Maye’s future is unclear. He seems deserving of a larger role, but he is not the typical Williams big man (for both good and ill). He feels like the closest thing the team has had at power forward to David Noel since 2006, but Noel matched those skills with great athleticism. He therefore could play a variety of positions where we have only seen Maye at the four spot. I would not count out Maye yet, but it is not as clear as it was two weeks ago.

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