Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Tar Heels’ projected 2020-21 starting lineup

By Blake Cockrum

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 21: Garrison Brooks #15, Leaky Black #1 and Anthony Harris #0 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walk back on the court after a timeout in their game against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Tar Heels defeated the Bruins 74-64. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 21: Garrison Brooks #15, Leaky Black #1 and Anthony Harris #0 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walk back on the court after a timeout in their game against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Tar Heels defeated the Bruins 74-64. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 15: Leaky Black #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game against the Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs at the Dean Smith Center on November 15, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 77-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Leaky Black

Leaky Black is becoming something of a jack-of-all-trades for the Tar Heels, not too dissimilar from former UNC wing Theo Pinson. At least, that’s the way it’s looking for a player that averaged 6.5 points, five rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and nearly a block per game last season.

Black has shown limitations on the offensive end of the court, sure, but he’s got great upside, and is developing into a player that could be very effective in Chapel Hill over the next couple of seasons. With increased efficiency in his offensive game, however, Black could go from effective role player to standout ACC starter. Regardless of that, though, it seems likely that Black makes the cut in next season’s starting lineup, if for no other reason than the lack of depth that UNC has on the wing.

What Black definitely gives Roy Williams and the Tar Heels, though, is great size and tenacious defense. His inclusion in the starting lineup allows North Carolina to trot out three players 6-foot-8 or taller to begin the game. His length and quickness on the defensive end makes problems for smaller opponents, and allows him to play up a position or two if needed. He also gives the Tar Heels another capable ball handler in a pinch, though he won’t be called on for that much anymore with the arrival of McDonald’s All-Americans Caleb Love and R.J. Davis, and (hopefully) the return of a healthy Jeremiah Francis and Anthony Harris.

If and when Black improves on his 35.9 percent field goal shooting, and his 25.4 percent mark from three-point range, look out. That’s when he becomes a true force to be reckoned with.

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