UNC Basketball 2019-20 Player Review: Rechon “Leaky” Black

Our UNC Basketball player season reviews continue this week with Rechon “Leaky” Black, a player who will be called up next season for a big impact

Justin Pierce | Jeremiah Francis | Anthony Harris | Brandon Huffman | Andrew Platek | Christian Keeling

Rechon “Leaky” Black was part of a three-man recruiting class in 2018 that featured Nassir Little and Coby White, two players that went in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. While Black didn’t receive the hype that both White and Little did in his first year at North Carolina, he was expected to be a player that would stay four years and make a big impact in the program.

Through the first two years, Black has dealt with some injuries and consistency issues that never really allowed him to develop.

In his sophomore season at North Carolina, Black played in 29 games and started in 28 of those averaging 30 minutes a game. With a lot of injuries on UNC’s roster, it gave him the chance to earn more minutes and prove himself.

However, the production just wasn’t there.

Black averaged 6.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game and shot 35 percent from the field last season. He shot just 28 percent from the three-point line, a glaring problem in his game.

At 6-foot-8, Black has the length to be a mismatch on the wing as a 2 or 3 guard in Roy Williams’ offense. We saw him play a little bit of both last season due to some injuries the Tar Heels suffered on their roster. He even had to play point guard with injuries to Cole Anthony, Jeremiah Francis and Anthony Harris.

Black has the skillset to be a very good, versatile player for the Tar Heels. He’s drawn comparisons to Theo Pinson a player who has a similar skillset in passing, rebounding, defense and even at times scoring. But Pinson was also a player who struggled in his first two seasons at North Carolina before improving for his final two.

The hope is that Black can take a similar leap.

Black’s biggest struggling came with scoring the basketball. He showed he’s a capable rebounder, passer and defender but the offensive game needs some work. He displayed that ability at times throughout the season, which gives some hope for the future.

I keep going back to that Pinson comp. That’s what the hope is for Black to turn into beginning next season.

The Tar Heels have a big need on the wing next season at the three spot. They welcome in guards Caleb Love and R.J. Davis, but both will be manning the point and shooting guard spots. Freshman Donovan “Puff” Johnson will also be in the mix to play the three but right now it seems like Black will go into the offseason as the favorite to start.

It would be a big benefit for the Tar Heels to see Black improve his game and take that big jump in year three. That would go a long ways for UNC’s success next season. Now the only question remains is if Black can take that next step?

For more on the UNC Basketball program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.