Morning Heel: UNC Tar Heels Daily News Links
By Matt Hamm
Welcome to another edition of the Morning Heel, a daily feature here at Keeping It Heel. Along with The Hub we want to bring you not only our original content but a collection of all the best UNC news. Have a link to suggest? Senditkeepingitheel@gmail.com
Consistency on the Glass
North Carolina has continued its perennial success on the boards this season, albeit with a different set of characters. The Tar Heels rank second in the ACC in rebounding margin (+6.6), trailing only Maryland (+11.1), their opponent on Saturday. During the Roy Williams era, UNC has finished the season ranked first or second in the ACC in rebounding margin in all but one year – his first (’03-‘04). (Inside Carolina)
Wear art thou, skilled Tar Heel frontcourt?
North Carolina took a big step toward rescuing its season last weekend with a victory over a Florida State, a win which felt like an upset, especially when one considers that the Seminoles buried 50 percent of their three point attempts. A pivotal role in the win was played by recruited walk-on sophomore Jackson Simmons. (Independent Weekly)
Breakdown: Brice Johnson
Brice Johnson brings skills at the center position that no one else on the North Carolina basketball team has. He’s the best offensive player on the interior for the Tar Heels, and yes that includes James McAdoo. Take a look at Brice Johnson’s stats adjusted to 40 minutes a game: 26.0 points 13.7 rebounds 0.9 assists 1.4 steals 2.9 blocks. And this isn’t because Brice is playing only in grabage time. (Chapelboro.com)
Leslie McDonald doubtful for Maryland
North Carolina reserve Leslie McDonald, who has missed the Tar Heels’ past two games because of a sore right knee, probably won’t play against Maryland on Saturday, either. “I’m more doubtful about Leslie than I was earlier in the week,’’ coach Roy Williams said Friday. Williams said the junior still hasn’t gone through a full practice since early last week. (ESPN.com)
Jarran Reed, Marquez North visiting Tar Heels
North Carolina is expecting to welcome a nice group of official visitors this weekend as it tries to wrap up its 2013 recruiting class. The Tar Heels are hosting two prospects whom they hope to convince to play their college football in Chapel Hill. Jarran Reed, a four-star JUCO defensive tackle from East Mississippi Community College, is a current Ole Miss commit, but he will be on campus, as will MarQuez North, an uncommitted four-star wide receiver from Charlotte, N.C., Mallard Creek High School. (SB Nation)
KIH Radio: UNC Basketball Pre-Maryland
KIH Radio went back on the air today to discuss Saturdays match up with Maryland and the future of North Carolina basketball. (KIH)
UNC Offers 2014 QB Deshaun Watson
2014 four star quarterback prospect Deshaun Watson is committed to Clemson but has opened up his recruitment and has been offered by the North Carolina Tar Heels. (KIH)
UNC Recruits Isiah Hicks, Kennedy Meeks And Nate Britt Nominated For McDonalds All-American Game
North Carolina’s trio in the class of 2013 Isiah Hicks, Kennedy Meeks and Nate Britt have been nominated to play in the Mcdonalds All-American game. (KIH)
UNC Basketball: Defending The 3 At UNC
It is quite simple and something we all know UNC doesn’t defend the 3-point shot well at all. Wait, that isn’t quite right. Let me rephrase that, UNC is absolutely HORRIBLE at defending the 3-point shot in the Roy Williams era. They have had years where they have been decent but like this year most years they have been atrocious. (KIH)