An early prediction of UNC Basketball’s 2018-19 starting lineup

Power Forward: Cameron Johnson

Graduate transfer Cameron Johnson was as advertised in his first year at Chapel Hill.

Despite missing the start of the season due to a knee injury, Johnson came back and posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists. He was also one of the main reasons UNC’s small-ball lineup achieved any bit of success.

Thankfully, unlike many graduate transfers, Johnson will have the opportunity to play a second year at UNC.

Behind Maye, Johnson is UNC’s leading scorer of returning players from last season. He averaged 12.4 points per game but could see his totals rise again this season.

If he acts as a stretch-four for UNC once again, Johnson could be looking at an All-ACC season.

The thought of pairing he and Little on the court should have Tar Heels fans salivating. Along with Maye and Williams being able to play multiple positions, UNC can keep head coaches up all night game planning.

Alternate Option: Garrison Brooks

Freshman Garrison Brooks was UNC’s highest touted big man from a class that included three a year ago. By outpacing fellow recruits Manley and Brandon Huffman, Brooks nabbed a starting role in the frontcourt to start the season.

Inconsistent play and the return of Cameron Johnson would force Williams to go small and send Brooks to the bench. If the Tar Heels go back to a more traditional lineup, Johnson could find himself relegated to the sixth man this year.

Brooks came on at the end of last season and had a stellar game against Duke in the ACC Semifinals. He scored 10 crucial points and brought down four rebounds.

With another offseason under his belt, Brooks could make Williams’ decision to go back to a traditional lineup an easy one.