UNC Basketball: This year’s Tar Heels compared to last year’s team

Kennedy Meeks: The anchor in the low post

Throughout his career, Kennedy Meeks has been criticized. Time and time again, analysts and announcers have discussed how Meeks lacks athleticism. To be frank, some people state “Meeks has little or no lift.”

In other words, he cannot jump that high.

During his senior year, it has become apparent that Meeks has grown tired of the criticism. Meeks was an honorable mention All-ACC player in 2017. He earned this honor ahead of Isaiah Hicks, who has more upside.

Meeks earned this All-ACC honor because he put in work during the offseason. The fruits of his labor have shown recently. Meeks averaged 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 assists this season.

Last weekend, Meeks was one of the main reasons why North Carolina beat Kentucky. He finished the game with a career-high 17 rebounds to go along with seven points, four blocks and two assists.

Not too long ago, not too many people would praise Meeks for his low post play. Now, when people talk about UNC’s toughness down low, it is in reference to Meeks. He is the backbone of the Tar Heels and unsung hero on the boards.

According to ESPN, the Tar Heels average 45.3 rebounds per game, second in the nation behind Seton Hall. Meeks has dedicated himself to dominating the boards for the Tar Heels.

Last season, Brice Johnson was the main guy for the Tar Heels. Although Meeks started all season, he was an after-thought compared to Johnson and Hicks. This season, Meeks has shown why he was worthy of a scholarship at UNC.

His hard work may possibly help North Carolina earn their first national championship in eight years. In the famous words of legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane, ‘Nuff respect due’ for Kennedy Meeks.