UNC Basketball: How Tony Bradley’s decision affects UNC

The Pros

Chances for Better Recruits

For weeks, certain writers have been posting articles similar to what Andrew Carter wrote here. The basic thought is that Tony Bradley being a one-and-done helps break the perception that Roy Williams doesn’t prepare players for the NBA.

In other words, he ruins one-and-done players.

This perception, which is absolutely wrong and shortsighted, has been based on players like Harrison Barnes, Ed Davis, and James Michael McAdoo staying multiple seasons.

It is also used by other coaches to convince players to go elsewhere.

However, as wrong as it may be, the perception is there and any change will be welcomed.

Bradley’s early defection is not going to turn UNC into the next Kentucky or Duke. However, it may get them the next Ben Simmons or Markelle Fultz.

Though both of those players failed to take their teams to the NCAA Tournament, combined with how Roy Williams already recruits, it would make Carolina very dangerous and turn it more into the next Kansas of the group.

Keep an eye on the recruiting of players like Zion Williams and Romeo Langford to see if Tony Bradley leaving moved the needle any.

Forces Roy Williams to try different things

In the 2012-13 season, UNC was coming off of a mass exodus of players after a team many thought was the best, was derailed by a Kendall Marshall injury. As was the case this season, that team had only one returning post player in sophomore James Michael McAdoo.

Williams, being who he is, stuck with his traditional two-man lineup pairing McAdoo with the rotating disaster of sophomores Desmond Hubert and Jackson Simmons as well as the freshmen duo of Brice Johnson and Joel James.

Nothing really worked out. UNC was at best alright as they limped along to a 16-7 record and just 6-4 in the ACC.

However, that’s when Williams did something he wasn’t known for. He made a change. He took out the second big man and inserted PJ Hairston into the starting lineup against Duke on February 13th.

UNC lost that game but it changed the Tar Heels’ season. They went on to win six straight games and finished third in the conference. They eventually lost to Kansas in the round of 32, but might not have made the tournament without that move.

If Williams looks at the team and sees none of his young big men performing, he may have to dust off the old playbook. It may not be how Williams wants to play, but it could end up being a big reason UNC stays relevant again this season.

Of course, that is all well and good, but if you are like me, and are neither half-empty or half-full, but just see a glass of water, you are probably wondering what questions this presents.