Rank ‘Em: Tar Heel Basketball Freshman and Sophomores… The Youth!

Nov 14, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams and forwards Brice Johnson (11) and Kennedy Meeks (3) react in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Eagles 76-60 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Top Tier (NBA Bound)

Whether or not these players are top 5 picks, lottery picks, first round, second round or beyond, the fact is you will see them playing in the NBA. Count on it.

Kennedy Meeks #3

Had I been writing for KIH last year, I doubt I would’ve thought this of Meeks. He’s really having a great sophomore season for the Heels. Just about averaging a double-double each night (13 pts, 8 feb) he’s shown that he is taking his basketball career seriously.

By getting in great shape this off-season and showing the coaches they can rely on him for big minutes (24 per game) is a great sign. On top of his production he’s shown to be efficient at 58% from the field and 68% from the free throw line, which is great for a big man. I don’t see him anchoring the low post for a franchise for years, but I see no reason that he can’t help an NBA team out when he decides it’s his time to go.

Justin Jackson #44

If you’re a basketball historian, a fan of how the game was played ‘back in the day’ or just a fan of old fashioned basketball, there is no reason to not love Justin Jackson. The freshman has instantly proved to be an impact player and someone who will be important down the stretch if the Heels are going to make any noise in the NCAA tournament. Other than Marcus Paige, nobody plays more minutes for the Heels than Jackson (25 per game). He’s scoring (10 ppg), rebounding (3.5 rpg), distributing (2.6 apg), and doing it efficiently (47 % FGs, 70% Fts) this season.

Now, lets address the elephant in the room on Jackson. Yes, if he does plan to play an 82-game schedule he must switch to 2% milk, hit the gym, and put some meat on his bones. The reason that doesn’t worry me is that all of his “flaws” are easily fixable. His game was what excites me for the future.

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As always, I’d love to hear our amazing fans’ opinions, thoughts, likes, or dislikes about this list. Hit me up on Twitter (@TheRealHags) or comment on our Keeping It Heel Facebook page with your two cents on this subject. Go Heels!