College Basketball Preview: 11. UNC Tar Heels

11. UNC Tar Heels 32-6 in 2011 (14-2 ACC)

The Tar Heels were stacked last season. But, that doesn't necessarily mean a national championship as the Heels faltered late in the tournament. Then the NBA exodus: Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Kendall Marhsall and Harrison Barnes were all selected in the first round of the draft. So, how could the Tar Heels possibly be ranked eleventh? Expect a number of players to step up and be big namers, like James Michael McAdoo and Reggie Bullock. But, the last time Roy William's lost a ton of players to the NBA (Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson) his team failed to get into the tournament. He's just hoping that doesn't happen this year.

Luke Davis

Backcourt: Freshman Marcus Paige could start at the point guard position over senior Dexter Strickland. The lefty has more natural talent than Strickland, with the speed to run the offense and a decent shooting touch. If he struggles Strickland will be more than ready, back from a season-ending injury. He isn't as good as a passer as Paige, and could be more of a threat as a shooting guard. Junior Leslie McDonald could start at shooting guard and he is also back from a knee injury, which helped him grab a medical redshirt. McDonald is a sharpshooter who also has somewhat of a mid range game but may not play immediately. Also returning in the backcourt is sophomore P.J. Hairston who could break out this season after a solid freshman season. He handles the ball well and can make shots anywhere on the court. Garder-Webb transfer Luke Davis should also get the occasional minutes at both point and shooting guard.

James McAdoo

Frontcourt: The next big thing at the university is McAdoo. With very little minutes in his freshman season he averaged a mediocre 6.1 points per game. That could fly all the way to the north of 15 this season with the extra minutes. He is also a fantastic rebounder and a decent defender. Sure to be dominant this season also is junior Reggie Bullock who could start at small forward this season. He has a great mid range game and can play in the paint, with his superior size over most at his position. Roy Williams should also rely heavily on another relatively new contributor in sophomore Desmond Hubert who could start at the power forward position. Two freshman should provide depth and scoring ability in swingman J.P. Tokoto and dominant Joel James. Tokoto can be a prolific dunker, while James has a great back to basket game. Sophomore Jackson Simmons should only be used in deep reserve situations.

Top NBA Prospect: James McAdoo
ACC Rank: 3rd
PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Marcus Paige- Freshman
SG P.J. Hairston- Sophomore
SF Reggie Bullock- Junior
PF Desmond Hubert- Sophomore
C James McAdoo- Sophomore
Sixth Luke Davis- Sophomore