Figured I'd get a topic started for the Carolina fans to discuss next year's team, happenings during the off-season, recruiting, and of course, Harrison Barnes' decision.

There have been several posts on various threads regarding Barnes, but despite all the rumors about his decision, there is still nothing official.

A couple recent pieces of news are that Carolina has signed a back-up PG for the 2011 class, Stilman White. White is a North Carolina kid who could play PG in an emergency next season, but his situation is pretty interesting. After next season, he will be going on a mission for two years, which frees up his scholarship until the 2014-2015 season. Also, this week, Carolina received a commitment from 2011 big man Desmond Hubert. Hubert has been brought on board to provide front court depth in addition to Zeller, Henson, and McAdoo. He won't see much time this season, but he's expected to be a solid player in the future, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The next few posts will provide some information about next year's roster, depth chart, and commitments for the 2011 and 2012 classes...

2011-2012 Roster

Tyler Zeller (7’0”, 250 lbs) – SR (Washington, IN – Washington HS)
Justin Watts (6’4”, 210 lbs) – SR (Durham, NC – CE Jordan HS)
John Henson (6’10”, 210 lbs) – JR (Tampa, FL – Sickles HS)
Dexter Strickland (6’3”, 180 lbs) – JR (Elizabeth, NJ – St. Patrick HS)
Leslie McDonald (6’4”, 215 lbs) – JR (Memphis, TN – Briarcrest Christian School)
Harrison Barnes (6’8”, 210 lbs) – SO (Ames, IA – Ames HS)
Kendall Marshall (6’3”, 185 lbs) – SO (Arlington, VA – Bishop O’Connell HS)
Reggie Bullock (6’7”, 190 lbs) – SO (Kinston, NC – Kinston HS)
James McAdoo (6’8”, 220 lbs) – FR (Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Christian HS)
PJ Hairston (6’5”, 225 lbs) – FR (Chatham, VA – Hargrave Military Academy)
Desmond Hubert (6’9”, 195 lbs) – FR (New Egypt, NY – New Egypt HS)
Stilman White (6’1”, 170 lbs) – FR (Wilmington, NC – John T. Hoggard HS)
Jackson Simmons (6’8”, 210 lbs) – FR (Walk-On) (Sylva, NC – Smoky Mountain HS)

2011-2012 Depth Chart

PG - Kendall Marshall (6’3”, 185 lbs) / Stilman White (6’1”, 170 lbs)
PG/WG - Dexter Strickland (6’3”, 180 lbs)
WG - Leslie McDonald (6’4”, 215 lbs) / Justin Watts (6’4”, 210 lbs)
WG/WF - Reggie Bullock (6’7”, 190 lbs) / PJ Hairston (6’5”, 225 lbs)
WF - Harrison Barnes (6’8”, 210 lbs)
PF - John Henson (6’10”, 210 lbs) / James McAdoo (6’8”, 220 lbs) / Jackson Simmons (6’8”, 210 lbs)
C - Tyler Zeller (7’0”, 250 lbs) / Desmond Hubert (6’9”, 195 lbs)

Projected Starting Lineup

PG - Kendall Marshall
SG - Dexter Strickland
SF - Harrison Barnes
PF - John Henson
C - Tyler Zeller

Incoming Recruits - Class of 2011

James McAdoo - 6'8, 220 lbs – PF – Norfolk, VA - Norfolk Christian HS
PJ Hairston - 6'5", 225 lbs – SG – Chatham, VA - Hargrave Military Academy
Desmond Hubert - 6'9", 210 lbs – PF – New Egypt, NY - New Egypt HS
Stilman White - 6'1", 170 lbs - PG – Wilmington, NC - John T. Hoggard HS
Jackson Simmons - 6'8", 210 lbs - PF (Walk-On) – Sylva, NC - Smoky Mountain HS

Committed Players - Class of 2012

Marcus Paige - 6'1", 160 lbs – PG – Marion, IA – Linn-Mar HS
JP Tokoto - 6'6", 190 lbs – SF – Menomonee Falls, WI – Menomonee Falls HS

I look for Bronson Koenig to end up at the Hill but he is class of 2013 I think.

Heelz;742897 wrote:I look for Bronson Koenig to end up at the Hill but he is class of 2013 I think.

Yeah, from everything I have read, Roy absolutely loves Koenig. I think he has an "unofficial" offer right now.

With Tokoto, and possibly Koenig, I'd say Bo Ryan is getting pissed that Roy keeps raiding Wisconsin.

The 2012 class already has Paige and Tokoto, but the Heels probably need two big men from that class. Tony Parker (6'9" PF out of Georgia) seems to really like Carolina, and he's a much more physical player than Zeller or Henson. That's something that the Heels need, in my opinion. Not quite sure who the other big man target truly will be since Drummond and Coleman are long shots.

Carolina is loaded on the wings, but I'd love to see them land Shabazz Muhammad in the 2012 class as well. He's Roy's #1 target, and the only 2012 player that currently holds an offer. He's a great athlete that can do it all.

Non-Conference games that have been solidified for next season...

November 11 - vs. Michigan State - In San Diego on an aircraft carrier
November 13 - at UNC-Asheville
November 25 - vs. South Carolina in Las Vegas Invitational
November 26 - vs. UNLV or USC in Las Vegas Invitational
ACC/Big Ten Challenge
vs. Long Beach State
at Kentucky

I just about lost my mind when I found out the good news today. Definitely the highest of expectations for the 2011-2012 season with the return of Barnes. I feel like Carolina will certainly be one of the most talented teams in the country, and that also makes them one of the top contenders for the national championship. That said, it's tough to win a title. I know a lot of Carolina fans are already talking like it's a done deal, but it certainly isn't. Gonna be quite a ride though!

By the way, I love these comments from Barnes.

http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/1065324.html

"I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports."

"As a team, we're preparing for a special season. My off-season plans are to diligently work on honing my basketball skills in all areas with one team-goal in mind -- to bring the 2012 national championship home to UNC."

No question that UNC will be preseason #1..probably unanamous. Funny how many on here were writing them off, and saying how Williams was on the hot seat at midseason. Now look where UNC is at? lol

If Jones, Knight and Liggins return, I think you have to put UK #1, unanimously. They would add more than UNC, far more, and both would return similar teams from last year (and UK won by 7 with those teams at the top of their game). If any of those 3 don't return, then you start really debating and leaning toward UNC #1.

The good news is, they play in early December. The game has the potential to feature 17 McDonald's All-Americans, possibly 10-12 future 1st round picks and the probable #1 vs #2 with both being unbeaten and Kentucky with a 35+ game home winning streak on the line. It's just a regular season game, but it could possibly be one of the most hyped regular season games of all-time.

If Jones, Knight, and Liggins return, then Kentucky would definitely be a more talented team, top to bottom. McAdoo and Hairston are gonna be outstanding, in my opinion, but since UK is adding four talented freshman, they get the edge in that department. I think the two teams, disregarding freshmen, are very close to even.

A few things to think about from the matchups last season. Carolina won a close game in Chapel Hill with Larry Drew II still running the show. UK's win in the tournament came with Harrellson (who will not be there next year) playing a huge role on the interior against Carolina's more slightly built big men. Also, John Henson was sitting on the bench with foul trouble for nearly the entire game, and was a non-factor. I'm not discrediting UK's win in the NCAAs, but if you're using that game as a reference for how the teams will match up next season, you have to acknowledge that Harrellson won't be there, and Henson will, provided that he doesn't get into foul trouble again.

The game at Rupp next season is going to be amazing with all that talent on the floor. And I would absolutely love to see these two teams playing for the national championship next April. We'll see how things play out though.

If Jones and Knight return UK is definitely #1, but I don't think they both will and I would lean towards both leaving.

Barnes will have a huge season next year. There are going to be a lot of fun teams to watch.

Teflon John's rent-a-freshman have declared. Can we go back to talking about the Tar Heels now?
I hope the post players find their way to the weight room a little more often. I think that is the real key to a title next season.

It is going to take a lot for me to not take UNC in March.

Azubuike24;744914 wrote:If Jones, Knight and Liggins return, I think you have to put UK #1, unanimously. They would add more than UNC, far more, and both would return similar teams from last year (and UK won by 7 with those teams at the top of their game). If any of those 3 don't return, then you start really debating and leaning toward UNC #1.

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Disagree. And I'll be the polls agree with me. I'll take talent AND experience over youth more times than not. Yes, UK would be talented big time, no question. But UNC has the talent as well.
And its extremely doubtful all 3 return for UK. I personally think all three are gone. I think Liggins is the only one that may return. And i have a feeling he is going to take off while his stock is where its at currently. With the players UK has coming in, Jones and Liggins roles could be diminished and they realize this as well.