Lack of Leadership Evident With Young Tar Heels

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

When Harrison Barnes committed to the North Carolina Tar Heels (4-3), basketball guru's started to place them into the elite category.

The 'Heels were conceived to go along way with freshman sensation Barnes leading the way.

Barnes was pegged as an AP Preseason All-American, No. 1 overall player in the 2010 recruiting class, and the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2011 NBA draft.

This is all before Barnes even touched the court in a college basketball jersey.

The 'Heels opened the season with a blowout win over Lipscomb, followed up by manhandling Hofstra, but was soon "upset" by the Minnesota Gophers.

Ensuing the loss to Minnesota, the 'Heels dropped another game against Vanderbilt.

North Carolina began to regain confidence with back-to-back wins over UNC-Asheville, and the College of Charleston.

However, tonight (11/30) the 'Heels picked up their third loss on the season against the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (7-1).

It's a reoccurring theme for the 'Heels. Every since Ty Lawson left for the NBA, North Carolina has not filled his shoes. Larry Drew III has continued his poor decision-making turning the ball over on average three times in their losses.

He has also been absent in the scoring column. Right now, Drew isn't playing like he deserves to start for North Carolina.

Kendall Marshall has shown a lot of upside at the point guard position dishing out a team-high four assist per game. He turned the ball over four times against the Illini, and only one I can remember was actually where he played carelessly with the ball, other times was miscommunication.

Before the Illini game, Marshall possessed an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3-to-1.

Tyler Zeller has blossomed into the most consistent player for North Carolina averaging 14.7 points, and 7.2 rebounds.

Barnes has yet to transition to the player he is capable of being. John Henson is a bright light for the 'Heels.

Henson is a very skilled post player with the ability to be something great. However, everybody knows the 'Heels have talent with a combined eight former McDonald's All-Americans resting on their roster.

After watching North Carolina drop their third game during their last five game stretch, it's clear that this young team could benefit from some leadership, and direction.

Barnes was conceived to be the leader for North Carolina, but hasn't stepped up to fill that role early in the season. Zeller has made strides, but teams realize how fragile North Carolina is in the paint and makes their bigs a non-factor.

The lack of leadership is tearing the 'Heels apart, slowly but surely. After a disappointing month of November, the 'Heels have yet to determine who will lead this young team.

Despite the heavy expectations, if Barnes is able to take charge of this team, North Carolina could reemerge as one of the more dangerous teams in the NCAA.

However, with hard work, dedication, and more experience, I expect this 'Heels team to find their leader and create a new identity once conference play begins.

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Freshman Tar Heel Kendall Marshall Could Retain the Starting Job

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

During his first year with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Larry Drew III was used lightly. He played behind Tar Heel great Ty Lawson, and watched North Carolina bring a National Championship to Chapel Hill.

Last season, Drew got his first crack at the starting lineup. He didn't disappoint, and came up with some stellar statistics. He ended the year with 8.5 points, 5.9 assist, 2.7 rebounds, and shot 35 percent from three.

However, Drew did turn the ball over 3.2 times a game, which contributed to the lack of success for the Tar Heels last season.

With the College Basketball season approaching the Tar Heels are ready to showcase their talented freshman acquired in the 2010 recruiting class.

Freshman Harrison Barnes is already conceived to be one of the best players in the nation, and help the Heels' right away. Not to mention, sure-handed Kendall Marshall could crack the starting lineup, and help right away as well.

Marshall was nabbed as a McDonald's All-American player out of his school. He was one of the better point guards in High School because he was a complete floor general. He controls the game, makes the right plays, and doesn't force the action.

Marshall is a point guard that could jump right in and impress Head Coach Roy Williams. He makes the right pass and sets his teammates up for success.

Not to mention, he penetrates the lane with the intention to dump it down as the defense collapses. He has a great lefty stroke and could set up and dominate the game with his jump shot.  

Marshall could be the player the Heels' need to lead their offense. He has the true feel for the guard position, a playmaker, utilizes the whole floor on offense, and has the mentality to win.

Drew's starting job could be in jeopardy with Marshall on the roster. Regardless who starts, the Heels' guard play will be a lot better than it was a season ago.

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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