UNC Basketball: What to expect from the Tar Heels entering ACC play

Although Cole Anthony remains absent for the Tar Heels, expect a hot start for UNC to begin conference play.

The Tar Heels won their final non-conference game of the year versus Yale as Roy Williams matched the record for most wins by any North Carolina coach of all time. The win was an ugly one, but a win is a win, especially when the team is beaten up.

The recent action of the Tar Heels may not scream success, but there is plenty of positives to take away from this team as of late. Confidence is as important as anything when it comes to competing at the highest level, and it all comes back to the piece I wrote a few days back about how the Anthony injury could actually bring positives for the Heels.

When Anthony went down everyone’s role changed. More was expected of each of these guys and some rose to the occasion and some didn’t.

Since the injury, Garrison Brooks has done a fantastic job stepping up into the leader role and taking advantage of the increase in usage. The junior forward has averaged 14 points and 9.5 rebounds since the loss of Anthony which is a significant increase from the 11 points and 8 rebounds he averaged with Cole at the helm.

Along with Brooks, Jeremiah Francis has been incredible in his new role. Francis has been placed into the starting lineup and has done a great job as the general of the offense. The numbers have seen a jump for Francis, but it’s not a numbers thing with him, it’s a feel thing. It’s a confidence thing and he clearly bleeds confidence.

The concerning for the Tar Heels is the collapse of Armando Bacot since he lost his commander. I was expecting Bacot to become a force with an increased role, but his offensive struggles have been brutal. He went from averaging above 10 points per outing with Anthony, to 6.75 without him.

The Heels are fortunate to have an easy schedule as conference play gets underway. The first eight matchups of ACC play come against unranked teams allowing the Tar Heels to get their footing early on prior to Cole Anthony’s return to the court.

Expect the Tar Heels to get off to a good start in the win column as their first real test doesn’t come till February 3rd when Florida State comes to Chapel Hill.

This North Carolina basketball team is being written off by many, but they will remain competitive even though they are in the loaded ACC. The conference has it’s usual plethora of good teams, and luckily they don’t match up with any of the powerhouses till later on.

Cole Anthony was dressed for practice recently which is a great sign for the Tar Heels. His return is everything for this team being legitimate in March. Upon his return, the chemistry will gel perfectly.

Francis will come off the bench once again and will be a great fit as the leader of the second group. He will give Roy Williams a reliable option off the bench that he hasn’t had this year so far. Garrison Brooks will continue his excellence as his confidence has sky-rocketed as of late. And hopefully, Bacot can return to his usual self.

The confidence as a whole for the North Carolina program should be high. It’s been ugly but trust me, all the pieces will fall into place at the right time. All of a sudden this roster will feel more complete than it ever did and I’m amped for it. Expect this team to come together and finish conference play where they usually do, around the top.

For more on the UNC Basketball program as they begin ACC play, please check back with Keeping it Heel.