Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: What to watch for in 2016-17

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24), guard Nate Britt (0), and forward Kennedy Meeks (right) react during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24), guard Nate Britt (0), and forward Kennedy Meeks (right) react during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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UNC freshman the X-Factor?

2016-3-30 Shoot Around
USA-Today Sports /

Roy Williams and company quietly signed a top-10 recruiting class for the 2016 season and they will be called upon early and often this year.

Headlined by big man Tony Bradley, UNC brings in a three-man class that also includes combo guard Seventh Woods and wing shooter Brandon Robinson.

With UNC’s depth in the backcourt, it’ll be more difficult for the guards to get minutes, but Bradley should see a healthy portion of time on the low blocks from the very start.

With the departure of senior forwards Brice Johnson and Joel James, Bradley will be called on immediately and not just to give the starters a breather. He will be asked to play big minutes and expected to play well. He’ll have the advantage of playing behind two seniors, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks, but will be the first man off the bench if injuries, foul trouble or fatigue become a factor.

Don’t underestimate Woods and Robinson, though. Each player has skill and upside that they will be able to showcase as reserves this season.

Woods will help provide depth and intensity off the bench. Robinson will give the Tar Heels a reliable perimeter shooter, which will decrease double teams and make it harder for opponents to play zone defense.

Although contributions may remain small or overshadowed in their freshman season, they could very well be the x-factor for a talented Tar Heels team with a plethora of senior leadership and tournament experience.

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