Keeping It Heel
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Does Justin Jackson’s return make UNC a contender?

By Horran Cameron

Mar 5, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils fans taunt North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) as he throws the ball into play against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils fans taunt North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) as he throws the ball into play against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Justin Jackson returning, UNC should now be considered a contender

A few days ago, Justin Jackson stated that he was 50/50 on returning to college for his junior season or going to the NBA.

Jackson took part in the NBA pre-draft process, which allowed him to workout for NBA teams as long as he did not sign with an agent. Fellow Tar Heel teammate Kennedy Meeks took part in this process as well, and returned to Carolina over a week ago.

Recently, Jackson decided to continue his college career at UNC. Tar Heel fans everywhere are jumping with joy right now!

In regards to his decision, Jackson stated:

"“My dream certainly is to play in the NBA and going through the draft process this year was another step toward reaching that goal,” he said. “But I’ve loved my first two years at Carolina and am excited about the upcoming season.”"

Jackson’s return to UNC will likely propel the Tar Heels into the preseason NCAA top 10 rankings, possibly top five. In addition, North Carolina becomes a contender for the national championship. Since Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson and Joel James graduated college earlier this month, there will be a new core for the Tar Heels next season – Jackson, Joel Berry and Isaiah Hicks.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

UNC will have a potential starting lineup consisting of Berry, Theo Pinson, Jackson, Hicks and Kennedy Meeks. Add Nate Britt, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Seventh Woods (freshman), Tony Bradley (freshman), Shea Rush (freshman) and Brandon Robinson (freshman) to the mix and we could possibly see another Tar Heel team make a deep run for the national championship.

In two seasons at Carolina, Jackson has averaged 11.5 points and 50 games in double figures.

His outside shooting will make him a focal point of Carolina’s offense, along with Berry and Hicks, as mentioned earlier.

Jackson positions himself to have a great junior season, since he will be one of the main players for the Tar Heels. Jackson’s ability to play three positions, makes him difficult. His versatility allows UNC head coach Roy Williams to experiment with big and small lineups.

There is a chance that next season’s Tar Heel squad could be just as good or better than the 2016 team that lost to Villanova in the national championship.

UNC will have experience at every position, along with several freshmen who are ready to contribute. Jackson’s outside shooting along with Berry, Britt and Williams gives North Carolina a perimeter offense opponents must respect. In the low post, Hicks, Meeks and newcomer Bradley will not miss a beat since there are two seniors to anchor the team.

Check out several highlights from Justin Jackson who was dominant in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic, combining for 43 points (16-28 FG) to go along with 18 rebounds and 8 assists in two games against Northwestern and Kansas State – both Carolina victories.

Tar Heel nation can relax for now, since Jackson will wear Carolina blue and argyle for at least one more season.

More tar heels: More Justin Jackson news

Enjoy this young man as much as you can, while he is a scholar-athlete. The jury is still out on whether he will come back for a senior season.

As for next season, expect big things from Jackson.

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