Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Kentucky freshmen vs. North Carolina seniors

By Horran Cameron

Sep 13, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; North Carolina fans look on during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during the Alumni Game at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; North Carolina fans look on during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during the Alumni Game at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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UNC and Kentucky meet on Saturday in a matchup that’s experience against youth

This weekend, two of the best blue blood college basketball teams will face off. The No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels will play the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats in the CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This game will feature an interesting matchup between UNC’s seniors and UK’s freshmen.

The Tar Heels are led by their juniors and seniors.

However, their senior players consist of Nate Britt, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, Stilman White and Kanler Coker.

This class was several points away from winning a national championship last season. UNC head coach Roy Williams looks to build upon last season’s success

Dec 21, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Isaiah Hicks (4) react during game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 94-70. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Isaiah Hicks (4) react during game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 94-70. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /

On the other hand, year in and year out the Kentucky Wildcats are led by their freshman class. This year’s crop of “Big Blue” freshmen include De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Edrice Adebayo, Wenyen Gabriel and Sacha Killeya-Jones.

It is important to note that UK head coach John Calipari has endured a great deal of success with star freshmen recruits. Kentucky’s 2010 freshmen went to the 2011 Final Four. His freshman 2011 class won the national championship.

Calipari’s 2014 freshmen class lost to the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship game. Kentucky’s 2015 freshmen class led their team to a 38-0 record before losing in the Final Four to the Wisconsin Badgers.

As stated, Calipari’s system of having annually revolving freshmen has netted great results.

Sep 15, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De Aaron Fox (0) forward Bam Adebayo (3) forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) and guard Malik Monk (5) during Kentucky media day at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De Aaron Fox (0) forward Bam Adebayo (3) forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) and guard Malik Monk (5) during Kentucky media day at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

This discussion gives rise to this current season. How will Calipari’s 2016 freshman class fare this season?

Better yet, how will they do against UNC’s senior class that was several points shy of their ‘shining moment’ several months ago?

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