UNC Basketball: Early Projection of 2017-18 starting lineup
![Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ced35810520b6a6f61bf31e266acb8442e1b9517ef425aba17f2b1cb480c7571.jpg)
Shooting Guard: Jalek Felton
This position could go one of two ways.
On one hand, there is the 6’4 guard Kenny Williams who would normally be the favorite to start here.
But on the other, there is a super talented freshman guard coming into UNC, with the opportunity to contribute immediately.
Jalek Felton committed early on in the process, and never really strayed too far from the flock. His uncle is former Tar Heel Raymond Felton, and the younger Felton has just as much talent.
Felton has a little bit of De’Aaron Fox in him. The rising freshman has lightning speed, great athleticism, and he is a great finisher.
With the perceived recruiting issues at Carolina, Felton has an opportunity to be one of the rare one-and-done players at UNC.
Should Roy Williams hand Felton the keys, he and Berry could potentially have a Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatwright season in the backcourt.
Felton will have to go through a battle with soon-to-be junior Kenny Williams. Felton’s offense is better than Williams’. But Williams can bring more on the defensive end.
Watching the battle throughout the fall should be fun, but I believe Felton will win out, and crack the starting lineup.