North Carolina Tar Heels 2010-11 Season Preview

North Carolina Tar Heels

2009-10: 20-17

2009-10 ACC Record: 5-11

Well all had to witness the brutal season the Tar Heels had this season. They had a season nobody seen coming.

They had one of the worst records in the ACC, and the rivalry between Duke wasn't as great this year because of the lack of competition--lost by ten the first game, then 32 the second.

But it wasn't because the Tar Heels were terrible. Their star player Ed Davis faced a severe injury that sidelined him for most of the season.

If he was out there I doubt their record would have been the way it was. I also doubt the Heels would have gotten blown out by the Blue Devils.

It wasn't that disappointing. The Heels are the first team to make the NIT and NCAA tournament Final Fours in back-to-back years. 

Key Returnees

The Heels returned six players from their NIT runner-up team a year ago.

Those most important players are Tyler Zeller and John Henson. They are going to strengthen the frontcourt like no other.

Also, Larry Drew III is back on campus. He was the complete floor-general last season and will look to do the same this year. 

They also returned Will Graves, Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald.

With this group of role players, mixed with game-changers, the Heels are in a good position to improve its overall performance this season.

Key Departures

The Heels lost five total players from last season’s team. One to the NBA draft, two graduated and transferred. 

The NBA draft took away Ed Davis from the Heels. He was Mr. Versatile; A big-time defensive and offensive presence down on the low-block. 

Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson both reached their final years of eligibility. Ginyard was the all-around threat on the wing. He got into the defense and snatched down rebounds, shared the ball and scored.

Thompson led the team when Davis was out with injury. He was the leading scorer and snatched down almost seven boards a game.

Travis Wear and David Wear decided their Heels' career was over after one year. This is a huge blow to the frontcourt.

They were used lightly last year but were expected to be a big part during the upcoming season.

Each one of these players made strives to keep the program dominant in their stay at North Carolina. It will be tough without the post presence of Davis, the Wear Twins and Thompson.

Key Additions

The Heels have the best recruit in the 2010 class heading to North Carolina to play in the 2010-11 season. 

McDonald's All-American Harrison Barnes is 6-foot-8 versatile player. He can play any position on the court if he wanted to. He is long and athletic.

Everybody is prepping for a Carmelo Anthony like season from Barnes. Yes, he is that good.

Another McDonald's All-American is going to be wearing the powder blue next season. Reggie Bullock is a big-time scoring threat out of the backcourt.

He will most likely play on the wing, but he can do it all from wherever he plays.

The last McDonalds All-American is Kendall Marshall. He is a 6-foot-4 point guard. He has the ability to be a full-time starter for the Heels.

Do not be surprised if Marshall is starting over Drew next season.

Overall

The Heels lost very good players last season. However, I still think they will be better than they were last year.

With the No. 1 overall player in the 2010 recruiting class, followed by two more McDonald's All-Americans, the Heels have a great chance to compete with Duke in the ACC.

They have a decent starting-five and a few key bench players. 

The x-factor of this team will no doubt be health. 

If the Heels can stay healthy all season, they will be able to compete at a high level. With the transfer of the Wear twins they lack depth.

But keep this in mind; Zeller has yet to play a full season. He has been injured over the past two seasons and the Heels will need him to stay healthy all year.

The closest forward they have to play in the post is Barnes.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

2010 NBA Draft: Toronto Raptors Draft Grade

Toronto Raptors Draft Picks


Ed Davis 6'9'' Power Forward

Ed Davis the 6'9'' power forward out of the University of North Carolina.

Remember back when the Tarheels were National Champions? The X-factor definitely had to be Ed Davis. He came off the bench behind Hansbrough and sparked the Tarheels offensively and defensively. He could have came out last year and been selected as a lottery pick, but instead went back to school and is still considered a lottery pick.

One thing Davis' does well is executes offensively. He has that baby hook in the post that he shoots very proficiently.

Around the rim he displays soft hands, which allows the guard to throw the entry pass and expect him to catch it every time. Also he showcases nice touch around the rim as well.

He finishes strong around the rim, and when he misses his shot or a rebound comes off the rim Davis' is in hot pursuit. His wingspan allows him to snatch down a lot of balls off the glass and put it back for the score.

Defensively he displays very good footwork in the post. He slides his feet really well and keeps the defender in front of him. His defensive mechanics are amazing and he has the ability to lock down on defenders.

Ed Davis is committed to playing defense and he plays it well. He can be a defensive stopper or the ultimate protector of the paint.




Soloman Alabi 7'1'' Center

Unlike most players from Nigeria or surrounding countries, scouts have high hopes for Alabi.

First off let me tell you the obvious. The scouts love his size at 7'1'' and 240 pounds. Along with that NBA body comes a 7’8’’ wingspan that he uses to his advantage.

He is a very good rebounder. He uses his upper body strength to muscle away the defender and pull down the rebound. He is also good at sealing the defender off and securing the rebound.

Also, with his long wingspan, he can alter and block shots in the post. From the center position he can get up and block attempts at the rim.

On the offensive end he displays some great skills that are rarely seen from African born players.

Alabi has the ability to hit the short and mid-range jumpers as well as finish strong in the paint. He is one of those guys that can clean up his mess proficiently. I have seen a lot of put-back dunks in college from him and expect the same in the pros.

In the post he is a back to the basket type of player. His first move on offense is looking over his shoulder to see his point of attack. His go to move would have to be his jump hooks over his right shoulder.

Alabi has the ability to run the floor in transition as well. He finishes strong around the rim and he can also dish it off in transition if needed.

Analysis:


The Raptors are most likely grabbing Davis because they know Chris Bosh is leaving Toronto. So, with that said, this is a decent pick. This gives them a spark defensively and a growing player offensively.


Not to mention, Soloman Alabi will be a huge contribution defensively.




Draft grade: B-




Written by DeAnte Mitchell