Takeaways from the First Weekend of the NCAA Tournament
By John Bauman
Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Harvard Crimson guard Wesley Saunders (23) battles North Carolina Tar Heels guard/forward Theo Pinson (1) for the ball in the second half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
All three of the freshman are playing well
It’s not just Justin Jackson that is playing much better at the tail end of his freshman season. Joel Berry II had just 10 points over the course of the two games in the tournament so far, but he is looking like a much more confident player. Fans are starting to see more and more glimpses of Berry II’s potential as well.
Berry II hasn’t had the same kind of instant impact that Tyus Jones or Tyler Ulis have had for Duke and Kentucky, respectively, but Berry II could end up being a better college player in the long run. It is very likely that Joel will stick around next year and continue to make strides as a ball handler and scorer.
This March, Berry II is proving to be very valuable as a backup PG because of his solid play. But after watching him this season and especially this March, fans of the Heels are starting to get a clearer view of that ceiling that made him such a sought after prospect.
Theo Pinson to a lesser extent has shown the same growth. Pinson has been limited lately by injuries, but he could be an x-factor for Carolina if they keep up this deep tournament run. In just four minutes of play against Arkansas, Pinson grabbed a rebound, blocked a shot and dished an assist. He brings a lot of energy and excitement to the Heels when he steps on the court.
All three of the Tar Heel freshman are impressing this March.
Next: Kennedy Meeks Takeaway