What do you guys think it'll be? Drew has pressure from the young guys. Barnes will really push Graves. There is good depth at SG with McDonald, Bullock, and Strickland. However; I think there is a jam. I think McDonald can be a good good player, but the higher recruits are lurking above him. I think we'll either see a great FR stay another year or one will leave without playing a lot of minutes. I can see a SG transfering as well.

PG Drew/ Marshall-- Marshall needs to prove it on the court. Drew has an edge, but that could end quickly.
SG Strickland/Bullock/McDonald-- who the hell knows. Strickland needs to get a jumper, or the other guys will pass him.
SF Graves/ Barnes-- Barnes may earn it because of a lazy Graves. Either way, Graves will be a big part of a success next year, or failure.
PF Henson/ Wear-- Henson won't be a scorer, but very fun to watch.
C Zeller/ Wear-- a very solid rotation of these two guys.

jpake1 wrote: What do you guys think it'll be? Drew has pressure from the young guys. Barnes will really push Graves. There is good depth at SG with McDonald, Bullock, and Strickland. However; I think there is a jam. I think McDonald can be a good good player, but the higher recruits are lurking above him. I think we'll either see a great FR stay another year or one will leave without playing a lot of minutes. I can see a SG transfering as well.

PG Drew/ Marshall-- Marshall needs to prove it on the court. Drew has an edge, but that could end quickly.
SG Strickland/Bullock/McDonald-- who the hell knows. Strickland needs to get a jumper, or the other guys will pass him.
SF Graves/ Barnes-- Barnes may earn it because of a lazy Graves. Either way, Graves will be a big part of a success next year, or failure.
PF Henson/ Wear-- Henson won't be a scorer, but very fun to watch.
C Zeller/ Wear-- a very solid rotation of these two guys.

Did you watch Henson in the NIT?? He will be a scorer.

And you are forgetting a really big factor, his name is Ed Davis.

Davis is going pro... and yes I watched Henson. He doesn't have an offensive game yet. He gets most of his points from the glass, which is very appriciated. I don't think we'll see Henson hitting 15ft'ers and a good back to the basket game. I saw him airball many hook shots. He's got a long way to go. But I can see him averaging 3-4 blocks a game.

Ugh of course, I didn't see that about Davis.

Damn, I wanted to be the one to inform him

Unfortunately (but with good reason), Kyle Singler will also be announcing his own entry before long. So I understand your disappointment.

But both might as well go when the money is still hot. That whole 2011-12 NBA season situation is ridiculous.

I agree. Is it for sure Singler is going??

Not yet, but he will be. It's just a matter of time.

Thank God.

I'd say he more than earned it

I absolutely cannot wait for early February. That first game in Cameron is going to be caaaaaaa-razzzzzy. No pun intended. Lol.

Drew/Marshall
Strickland/Bullock/McDonald
Barnes/Graves/Watts
Henson/Wear
Zeller/Wear

12 scholarship players for next year, and unless a definite one-and-done is added (which I doubt will happen), there isn't enough room for another player. McAdoo and Hairston will arrive in 2011 and only Graves is definitely gone before that, so there wouldn't be room for a player that would stay more than one season unless there are early entrants next year.

Drew seemed to show signs of being a decent PG during last season, but he was also awful at times. We have to remember that it was his first year of extensive play, however, because he didn't see a lot of meaningful minutes behind Lawson. With more offensive weapons around him next year, I think Drew could be a very good PG. Marshall will be an adequate back-up and will be solid for his entire time in Chapel Hill, possibly even great later in his career.

McDonald is probably gonna be the odd man out at the SG position, but I think he's fully aware of that. He's going to play his role, and eventually be a solid player who plays meaningful minutes in his last two years at Carolina. If Bullock lives up to the hype, he will push Strickland for minutes due to his perimeter shooting, something that isn't necessarily a strength for Strick at this point. The Heels should get much more scoring from the two-guard next season with Ginyard leaving, and these three guys getting those minutes in some shape or form.

Barnes should definitely play over Will Graves, even if Graves has the experience edge. Barnes is too talented to sit behind Will, and I think he'll start from Day 1. Graves, in turn, will have a more limited role, but that should be a good thing. He can come in, shoot it from the perimeter as things open up, and not be forced to create on his own. Graves will now play the role that he should have been playing all along. Watts, like McDonald, will see very little playing time.

If Henson refines his offensive game and becomes the scorer that everyone thinks he can be, he's going to be a force at the 4. He needs to pack on some weight, and he did gain 15 pounds since arriving in Chapel Hill, so he needs to continue that. Zeller, if he can stay healthy, should be very solid at the 5. He has a diverse offensive game, and much like Henson, if he adds some bulk, he should be good to go. The Wears will be the reserves at the 4 and 5 and should be able to play solid minutes in a back-up role. Graves can also play some minutes at the 4 if he's needed to, so that's an option as well.

Losing Davis really hurts the frontcourt depth, but it should allow Henson and Zeller to get a lot of minutes, and hopefully thrive. Carolina needs to be much more physical on the boards and defensively, and that's something that may be a problem unless Henson and Zeller pack on some pounds. Barnes and Bullock, if they live up to expectations, can provide the shooting and shot-creating that last year's team was sorely lacking.

I don't expect Carolina to return to 2009 form immediately, but I do expect them to be pretty good. It all depends on the freshmen really. Will they struggle like last year's class or will they be everything they're expected to be right away? A lot of questions to be answered next season, but I'm excited. The Heels need to knock Duke down a peg or two before the Dukies' heads explode.

reclegend22 wrote: I'd say he more than earned it

I absolutely cannot wait for early February. That first game in Cameron is going to be caaaaaaa-razzzzzy. No pun intended. Lol.

Think the Crazies will go easy on Barnes? My guess is no.

The Barnes decision will add a completely different dimension to the rivalry. He's hated by the Dukies already. Personally, I hope he tears their hearts out...AGAIN.

Still comes down to guard play for Carolina. They need more efficient work out of Drew and Strickland.

Given the missed time by the wear twins and zeller, I think it would be foolish to think any of these three go the whole year without spending some time on the injured list. Zeller is a key with Davis's departure, he is the only Carolina player that can legitimately finish down low with contact.

Carolina should be improved, but I still don't think they are an NC contender. They need more consistency in the backcourt, Strickland could be the key to their return to the top of the ACC.

swamisez wrote:Carolina should be improved, but I still don't think they are an NC contender.

As our good friend ahdonis might say, The times, they are a changin'. Want a difference a year makes. Wow.

Even without Singler, I think Duke has the potential goods to make another Final Four run, and from there, who knows. With Singler back (again highly unlikely), Duke would be the clear favorite to win back-to-back titles, IMO. With the recent recruiting K has in place, Duke looks to be re-planting itself as the beast of the east.

Carolina will no doubt be improved and challenge Duke for ACC dominance this coming season. Roy's a great coach and he won't be down for long. I agree, iron, the Barnes angle to the rivalry will be very interesting. The Crazies will not be kind. When we lost out on Harrison last November, I think many thought the end of the Duke program was near. I wasn't among that contingency, but it was certainly there. In the end, it didn't matter too much Again, what a difference a year makes.

Drew II really started to develop as a PG for the Heels in the NIT tourney.. I'm looking forward to what he can do, but Marshall is a TRUE PG.. This guy is SMOOTH with the ball, he doesn't have the blazing speed of Lawson or Felton, but he has the vision and passing ability..

Barnes and Bullock, I mean, what do I need to say? Barnes will be an immediate starter upon putting on his uniform. Harrison is a stud and Bullock is a very good player in his own right.

I believe John Henson could be the wildcard from making us a good team to a VERY good team. He started to develop his post game towards the latter part of the season and usually brings it defensively and could become a monster on the glass. I agree with others that he needs to put on some extra weight, which he's been doing.

Tyler Zeller hopefully has a healthy full season. He is a very good player when completely focused, but sometimes I noticed a lack of intensity from him.. Hopefully he brings it all season and is able to stay healthy.

I think I'm going to like the rotations much more this coming up season.. I agree with iron's assessment about getting more scoring out of the 2 guard spot with Ginyard leaving.

I'm going to enjoy the time we have with Barnes, because this could be the only season we see him wearing Carolina Blue.

I think that the Crazies will treat Bullock worse than Barnes after his comments about K and how some of the blue devils can't guard him.

Next year is a year to get back on track. '11-'12 is when Carolina is back ready to win another title. My prediction is that the NBA labor situation will be FUBAR this time next year, so guys like Barnes, Irving, and Sullinger will not be one-and-doners. I hope I'm right, not just for Carolina, but because then '11-'12 would be the best year talent-wise that we would get in the last 15 years of college basketball.

The disaster that was '09-'10 should mean that every job is up for grabs next year. There should be no loyalty card as the guys showed no loyalty to Roy for the most part. With that in mind, Barnes and Bullock end up starting next year. Marshall isn't good enough to beat Drew out, so we won't see three freshmen starting. But the presence of guys who can knock down open shots will make the Heels infinitely better. And it will help Drew out more than anyone. That's why Barnes and Bullock need to play a ton from Day 1. Barnes will probably be the Heels best player. I like Bullock to get more minutes than Strickland due to the former's height, which should help defensively and on the boards.

The worry, as always, is Roy playing too many guys. Barnes needs to average at least 32 minutes per game. I'd say Henson should be near that number, too. As mentioned, Graves's minutes should go way down. He's the one person I'm afraid Roy will play too much. If Graves gets more than 20 minutes per game, it will not be a good thing for the Heels.

Drew/Marshall
Bullock/Strickland/McDonald
Barnes/Graves/Watts
Henson/Wear
Zeller/Wear

That's actually what I meant, Heelz. The Crazies giving it to Bullock. Mixed the two up from that interview.

LTrain,

Take this for what it's worth (probably very little), but Barnes has said that he REALLY wants to earn his degree before leaving for the NBA. He has a lot of AP credit from high school, so I believe I read that he will enter UNC just short of sophomore academic standing. He has outlined a plan, summer school included, that would allow him to graduate from the Kenan-Flagler Business School after three years at Carolina. Because of that, I think he's definitely there for at least two years, and maybe even the full three that it will take him to get his degree. That philosophy could change if he's successful as a freshman and is projected as a Top 5 pick after next season, but Barnes is a pretty dedicated student and seems to be cut from a different mold than many kids who are only using college/college basketball as a stepping stone to the NBA. We'll see what happens, but I don't think it's unrealistic to see Barnes in Chapel Hill for more than a year, NBA lockout or not.

Justin Watts transfer rumors are heating up again, but it's probably nothing. IF he did end up leaving, then Carolina would definitely have a "true" open scholarship since they would be at 11 scholarship players for the 2010 season. Without a transfer, they wouldn't have enough open schollies for 2011 with McAdoo and Hairston coming in, and only Graves graduating. If Watts does leave, I would think Roy might make a run at a 2010 big man, but I'm not sure there's anyone left (that Carolina would have a chance to land) that would truly be an impact player. In that case, Roy would probably bank that scholarship and use it wisely in the 2011 or 2012 class.

ironman02 wrote: Justin Watts transfer rumors are heating up again, but it's probably nothing. IF he did end up leaving, then Carolina would definitely have a "true" open scholarship since they would be at 11 scholarship players for the 2010 season. Without a transfer, they wouldn't have enough open schollies for 2011 with McAdoo and Hairston coming in, and only Graves graduating. If Watts does leave, I would think Roy might make a run at a 2010 big man, but I'm not sure there's anyone left (that Carolina would have a chance to land) that would truly be an impact player. In that case, Roy would probably bank that scholarship and use it wisely in the 2011 or 2012 class.

hopefully he leaves

ironman02 wrote: LTrain,

Take this for what it's worth (probably very little), but Barnes has said that he REALLY wants to earn his degree before leaving for the NBA. He has a lot of AP credit from high school, so I believe I read that he will enter UNC just short of sophomore academic standing. He has outlined a plan, summer school included, that would allow him to graduate from the Kenan-Flagler Business School after three years at Carolina. Because of that, I think he's definitely there for at least two years, and maybe even the full three that it will take him to get his degree. That philosophy could change if he's successful as a freshman and is projected as a Top 5 pick after next season, but Barnes is a pretty dedicated student and seems to be cut from a different mold than many kids who are only using college/college basketball as a stepping stone to the NBA. We'll see what happens, but I don't think it's unrealistic to see Barnes in Chapel Hill for more than a year, NBA lockout or not.

The wildcard is the NBA CBA.. Barnes can still go to school while jumping pro.. Wes Johnson is doing it with Syracuse.. Trust me, once these guys see the $$$$ coming their way, it changes a lot of minds.

I hope you're right, and Harrison honestly seems like a very smart guy from listening to him (and he did choose UNC over Duke), but being smart would also tell you to take the money!

We'll see though, a lot of deciding factors to be played out before anything like this is a discussion.

Watts leaving would probably mean an all-out effort by Roy to get Austin Rivers now that he has de-committed. Probably too late to pull it off, but I thought that was the case with Barnes so you never know.

I'm sure Watts is a nice kid, but he'll never see more than 10m a game at Carolina. If he wants to play, he'll go elsewhere.

Haven't heard much about the Watts rumor lately. I did hear that ECU may be a possible destination, but I also heard that everyone would be staying put and there would be no transfers. I guess it's still a waiting game at this point to see how next year's team will definitely look.

One thing that worries me about the rotation next season is David Wear. He had to have hip surgery, and although all indications are that the surgery went well, I still worry about his recovery. Hip surgery, in any capacity, is something very serious. With the loss of Davis to the NBA, Carolina could be thin inside with only Henson, Zeller, and the Wears if David isn't 100%. It's almost like a team with an abundance of post players and few perimeter players will be the exact opposite next season. It'll be nice to see James McAdoo arrive in Chapel Hill in 2011.

Since it has already been mentioned on here, and there's no way I want to see that "Duke 2010 National Champions" thread anywhere near the top of this forum again, what's the word on Singler?

From what I have read, he's pretty torn on this decision. I think he's projected as a late first rounder in most mock drafts, but I'm not sure if that's going to be enough to get him to leave. Despite rec's guarantees that he's gone (you know he's just using that reverse mojo junk again), unfortunately, I think we'll be seeing Singler in Durham again. K is probably pulling out all the stops, including the coveted team captain label. We all know what it means if he returns too. Duke will be the favorite to repeat as national champions. I swear, I don't think I can handle that, so he better get the heck outta there.

How in the world did things go bad so quickly? 2009 National Champs, Barnes chooses Carolina, then everything just goes to crap. Something has to go right again soon.