UNC Basketball: Andrew Platek 2017-18 season preview

Freshman shooting guard will look for opportunities on the perimeter this season

Walker Miller | Sterling Manley | Brandon Huffman | Garrison Brooks

Andrew Platek was the Tar Heels’ second commitment in a five-player class that’s headlined by five-star combo guard Jalek Felton.

Felton, a legacy player at North Carolina most commonly associated with his uncle Raymond of the Oklahoma City Thunder, was committed to play basketball for the Tar Heels nearly three years ago.

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It wasn’t until the summer of 2016, more than a year-and-a-half later, that Roy Williams and company got their next commitment from the class of 2017.

That commitment was from Platek, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound shooting guard from Northfield, Massachusetts.

At the time, Platek was virtually unknown from a national standpoint. He had begun to receive some notoriety, though, thanks to his success on the 2016 EYBL circuit. It was there that Platek showed off his ability to hit long-range shots and play tenacious defense.

According to MaxPreps, Platek averaged 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a senior at Northfield Mount Hermon.

Platek was considered a three-star prospect according to the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked 216th in the nation, top-50 at his position and No. 5 in the state of Massachusetts.

2017-18 role and preview

Platek’s role on this year’s team will be to practice hard, learn as much as possible and play well when called upon. His number isn’t going to get called early and often, but when it does, he’ll need to be ready to do what’s asked of him.

His playing time will come, gradually, but he’ll have to wait behind a star-studded back court that boasts seniors Joel Berry II and Theo Pinson, junior sharpshooter Kenny Williams and sophomores Seventh Woods and Brandon Robinson. Not to mention Felton, whose speed, athleticism and skill will most definitely afford him some serious playing time this season.

Strengths

Platek certainly has the ability to knock down long-range jumpshots, giving the Tar Heels another option on the perimeter. However, North Carolina possesses one of the deepest and most talented back courts in the nation, so it won’t be easy to earn playing time.

His best bet is to work hard, be patient and take full advantage of any opportunities that come his way. With a solid work ethic, defensive intensity and a nice three-point shot, Platek will find his way onto the court in 2017.

Bold prediction

At some point this season, Platek will be called on to make a shot. Whether it ends a poor offensive skid or slams the door on an opponent, it’ll be a big one. That shot will help him earn the trust of his teammates and coaches, as well as the respect and admiration of an adoring fan base.

Sure, his minutes will remain low in year one. Look for Platek to grow during his time in Chapel Hill, though, and leave a lasting impression on the North Carolina basketball program.

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