When Kendall Marshall, John Henson and Harrison Barnes announced last week that they would join Tyler Zeller and enter the 2012 NBA Draft, many fans were upset (to say the least). That makes four-fifths of the starting line-up from the 2011-2012 seasons headed to the pros. On top of that, senior reserve Justin Watts will also be leaving along with Stilman White, who backed up Marshall this past season but will be leaving for a two-year Mormon mission. But don’t count the Tar Heels out yet! Here is all you need to know about the players that are sticking around and coming to North Carolina for the 2012-2013 season.
James Michael McAdoo
Even though the freshman is still projected as a top 10 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, his father reported last week that McAdoo still had the intention of returning as a Tar Heel for the 2012-2013 season. When John Henson was unable to play because of a wrist injury during the ACC Tournament, McAdoo was able to step up and start for several games for the Heels. With this experience, McAdoo was able to break out of his shell and become the player most expected him to be out of high school. Now that he has some tournament experience as well, McAdoo has some serious potential to be huge in the post in Henson and Zeller’s absence if he decides to return.
Leslie McDonald
Remember him? After sitting out the 2011-2012 season due to a torn ACL , McDonald will be back for the new year. As a reserve during the 2010-2011 season, McDonald provided 3-point shooting from the bench, an area in which the Tar Heels have lacked. Bullock and Hairston were expected to fill this void over the past season, but who knows what could happen with the three of them on the court?
Dexter Strickland
Dexter Strickland has been a fan favorite for the Tar Heels, especially with that million dollar smile! Strickland, another victim of a torn ACL, was on the bench from January all the way through the Heel’s tournament run. When he was able to play, he was a great back-up for Kendall Marshall, and is definitely capable of running the court and assisting Carolina’s new point guard. Although there is no set timetable for when the guard will return, he will definitely bring a spark to the Tar Heels in 2012.
Reggie Bullock and P.J. Hairston
As sophomores, Bullock and Hairston have the potential to be lethal in the 2012-2013 season and continue to help the Heels with their 3-point shooting. Both players experienced shooting slumps at the start of the year, but were eventually able to find their groove. Bullock, who began starting when Strickland was injured, has also received praise for his defensive strength. Alongside McDonald, these players could help the Heels with the 3-point shooting they struggled with throughout the season.
Desmond Hubert
Hubert didn’t get much playing time this past season, but he has already been compared to John Henson by many (plus he must have picked up a few points from the future pro over the year). Hopefully, he can bulk up over the summer and work on his game to improve for his sophomore season (sound familiar?)
The Class of 2012
Roy Williams definitely has a great recruiting class lined up for the 2012-2013 season, starting with point guard Marcus Paige. Paige is one of the top point guards coming out of high school and tried to show Tar Heel fans why at the McDonald’s All American game last week. Study up Tar Heel fans – this is going to be one name you will need to know!
Along with Paige come Joel James, Brice Johnson and J.P. Tokoto. James and Johnson could be big in the post – and might even be competing for a starting role. Tokoto, a small forward, is also expected to help the Heels defensively and with 3-point shooting.
Transfers
After transferring from Gardner-Webb, Luke Davis sat out last season because of NCAA rules. But he will be ready for the 2012-2013 season and can provide great support for the future point guard.
There is also the potential transfer Alex Oriakhi …Who you may ask? Alex Oriakhi is a potential transfer from UConn. New NCAA requirements are expected to make UConn ineligible for the 2013 NCAA tournament, causing Oriakhi to consider a transfer. Oriakhi started for UConn his sophomore season – the year they won a national championship. Oriakhi is considering UNC and would definitely help out McAdoo in the post.
So keep your heads up Tar Heel fans, and don’t forget what happened in 2006.
Basketball Players (photo): Zimbio.com. http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Dexter+Strickland/Kendall+Marshall/NCAA+Basketball+Tournament+Regionals+Newark/IqcTyTe_fiX
Strickland and McDonald (photo): Zimbio.com http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Leslie+McDonald/Dexter+Strickland/ACC+Basketball+Tournament+Quarterfinals/g5sUvYi1ct1
Bullock and Hairston (photo): News & Observer http://keepingitheel.com/2011/12/30/unc-basketball-reggie-bullock-vs-pj-…
Marcus Paige (photo): Wrex.com http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13809125