UNC Basketball: Brandon Robinson 2017-18 season preview
Robinson looks to bounce back after a slow freshman season.
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Coming out of Georgia, Brandon Robinson had high expectations.
Listed a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Robinson held offers from Louisville, Florida, Maryland, among others. Additionally, he was advertised as an excellent shooter.
Unfortunately for Robinson, he was lost in the rotation on a championship Tar Heel team.
As he enters his second season in Chapel Hill, Robinson would like to prove why he was sought after coming out of high school.
2016-17 season review
As briefly mentioned above, Robinson had somewhat of a disappointing season. In just about 8 minutes per game last season, he averaged a mere two points and one rebound per contest.
His most significant output of the season was 7 points against Long Beach State, and he never made more than one three-pointer in a game.
Much of ineffectiveness was in part to the immense talent ahead of him. He competed against players like Theo Pinson, Justin Jackson, Nate Britt, Joel Berry and Seventh Woods.
Despite not providing much to the Tar Heels in his freshman season, Robinson did flash some potential.
For example, in an early-season bout against Tennessee, North Carolina was without key players like Theo Pinson and Joel Berry. Robinson played a key role down the stretch, tipping in a missed Tar Heel shot to secure victory over the Volunteers.
2017-18 role and preview
Thankfully for Robinson, head coach Roy Williams will have to find replacements for players like Meeks, Britt, Jackson and others who have graduated or left for the NBA. One player that should take on a more significant role is Robinson.
Coming out of the North Carolina backcourt, he will have an opportunity to prove his worth.
Offensively, Robinson must become a more consistent shooter. Many were fond of his shooting ability out of high school. However, he would only shoot 34% from deep last season.
He could find his niche with the Tar Heels by becoming a reliable shooter.
Defensively, Robinson brings extraordinary athleticism and reach. If he can develop a stronger frame, he will be a formidable threat when defending the basket. His long arms and athletic ability give him the potential to disrupt opposing passers consistently.
Strengths
While he certainly did not impress many with his shooting freshman year, his primary asset remains his ability to hit the deep ball.
As displayed in high school, he has a smooth stroke and wastes no time in putting a shot up.
Last season, the Tar Heels were hardly a great shooting team. Collectively, North Carolina converted on 36% of three-point field goal attempts.
Robinson could provide some much-needed assistance in that category if he gets back into the rhythm he had before college.
Bold Prediction
Plenty of freshmen have struggled only to finish their college careers with numerous accolades and a job offer in the NBA. Robinson will take an enormous leap forward this season.
Coming off the bench, Robinson will assist the Tar Heels in three-point shooting, shooting over 40% from deep by the season’s completion.