UNC Basketball: Andy Katz expects big things from this UNC sophomore

College basketball writer Andy Katz believes that this UNC basketball sophomore could be poised for a breakout season

With a roster that boasted talented guards and wings such as Coby White, Kenny Williams, Cameron Johnson and Nassir Little, it’s no wonder why younger, less experienced players like Brandon Robinson and Leaky Black didn’t see as many minutes with North Carolina as they would have with a number of other programs.

Robinson, with all of his experience and ability to shoot the ball from long-range, still had to fight for minutes in the UNC rotation, despite having three years of college ball under his belt. Black, on the other hand, saw even fewer minutes during his first season in Chapel Hill.

Regardless of his 6-foot-7-inch body and versatile skill set, the former 4-star guard from Concord, North Carolina made just 23 appearances for the Tar Heels last season, averaging 10.3 minutes per game. He only put up 49 shots as a freshman, but converted on nearly 47 percent of his attempts. And although he only took 12 shots from beyond the arc, he connected on five, good for 41.7 percent. In his limited minutes, Black averaged 2.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and carried a positive assist-to-turnover ratio in the Tar Heels’ fast-paced offense.

That — along with the departure of would-be senior point guard Seventh Woods — is the reason why college basketball writer and NCAA.com correspondent Andy Katz believes that the talented sophomore hybrid could be poised for a breakout 2019-20 season.

"“Black was pushed down the ladder as a freshman and with good reason,” Katz said. “The Tar Heels were loaded at the position with experience and studs in his class like Coby White and Nassir Little. The departures of those two with seniors Cameron Johnson and Kenny Williams and the transfer of Seventh Woods creates even more opportunities for Black. Black’s numbers were limited at 10.3 minutes, 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds but have to climb. He has the potential to be someone who can be counted on next season. Roy Williams has historically done well in developing depth at guard with players ready to take the baton when it’s their turn. Black gets a chance next season.”"

The Tar Heels did get a late commitment from the top point guard in the class of 2019, Cole Anthony, along with top-70 back court mate Anthony Harris, who was pledged to Virginia Tech before head coach Buzz Williams left town for the same position at Texas A&M.

That shouldn’t stop Black, though, from getting substantially more playing time in his sophomore season, particularly with his size and ability to guard multiple positions on the court.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on North Carolina hoops throughout college basketball’s offseason.