Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Outlook for Carolina’s backcourt in 2019-20

By Alec Lasley

FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy drives to the basket against Imhotep Charter High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy drives to the basket against Imhotep Charter High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Rameses, the North Carolina Tar Heels mascot, is seen as they take on the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Rameses, the North Carolina Tar Heels mascot, is seen as they take on the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Anthony Harris

The Tar Heels lost an incredible glue guy and important piece to the roster with the graduation of Kenny Williams, but they replace him with a very similar type player.

Before you jump all over me, yes they are not identical, but they both impact the game most on the defensive end with their hard-nosed defense.

Yes, Harris is coming off of a torn ACL in December and while he is rehabbing nicely, he still has some time before he is a full-go in all drills and full contact activity.

What can the Tar Heels fully expect out of him this season? Though he is known for his defense, which he should be, he still has a great offensive game.

A combo guard who can play either position, Harris will provide the Tar Heels great depth at the point guard position, with the recent departure of rising senior Seventh Woods, and the uncertainty around incoming Jeremiah Francis’ health.

Over the course of his 2018 AAU season, Harris had a 2.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in 22 games, finishing with 55 total assists. Though he will probably spend most of his minutes playing at the same time with Cole Anthony, his ability to play the lead guard position will also allow Anthony to focus more on scoring in spurts, while also giving him some rest in spot minute situations as well.

Playing off the ball, one of the major knocks for Harris has been his shooting ability, however, it is much improved as of late.

During the summer, Harris showed a great ability to be a consistent shooter. In 14 games for Nike EYBL, he attempted 24 threes in 14 games, connecting on 54.2 percent of them. In his eight other games that summer, he went 8-of-24 from three (33.3 percent). The good thing is, with the addition of Christian Keeling – a career 36 percent three-point shooter and 39 percent last season – and Cole Anthony, the Heels don’t necessarily need Harris to knock down a high percentage right away.

In addition to his depth at the guard position, his ability to get out in transition makes him a perfect fit for Carolina.

His ability to attack in the open floor and get in the paint will give the Tar Heels another boost if Anthony is off the floor, or even if they play on the court together, allowing for either to lead the break.

Harris will be a tremendous help to Carolina next year, and for his entire career.

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