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UNC Basketball: UNC falls dramatically in ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early’ Top 25

By Blake Cockrum

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the second half of their game against the Boston College Eagles at the Dean Smith Center on February 01, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Boston College won 71-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the second half of their game against the Boston College Eagles at the Dean Smith Center on February 01, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Boston College won 71-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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UNC basketball falls five spots in ESPN’s latest ‘Way-Too-Early’ Top 25 for 2020-21

Despite having one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, and a returning front court that boasts All-ACC power forward Garrison Brooks and rising sophomore Armando Bacot, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello has moved the Tar Heels down five spots in the latest ‘Way-Too-Early’ Top 25 for 2020-21.

After coming in at No. 11 in the previous poll, the Tar Heels are ranked 16th in Monday’s iteration of preseason rankings. And why? Well, Borzello explains why he has reevaluated his initial thoughts on North Carolina, noting that he essentially overvalued them at first glance.

"“I may have been a little aggressive with my ranking of the Tar Heels in March, slotting them just outside the top 10. Now, I do love this team’s talent — but I question how it’s all going to come together. Roy Williams’ five best players are likely going to be five-star guard Caleb Love and four big men: Armando Bacot, Garrison Brooks, Day’Ron Sharpe and Walker Kessler. Although Williams loves to play two-big lineups, he’s obviously not rolling out a point guard and four post players. Minute and role allocation down low could be a question mark, as will wing scoring. There are options, though. Anthony Harris and Leaky Black return from last season, while R.J. Davis and Donovan Johnson were both ESPN 100 prospects. The Tar Heels are also in a decent position for uncommitted four-star guard Kerwin Walton. A repeat of last season is highly unlikely, even without Cole Anthony.”"

Borzello seems pretty concerned with the Tar Heels’ ability to effectively man the wing position, and it’s a legitimate concern. However, the likely addition of 4-star shooting guard Kerwin Walton this coming Saturday, combined with the duo of junior hybrid Leaky Black and freshman small forward Puff Johnson gives the Tar Heels a deep, if not incredibly talented, group of players to rotate in and out of the wing position.

While I’m not necessarily expecting North Carolina to look like a national title contender when the season begins in early November, I do believe they’ll look like a well-oiled machine by the time postseason play rolls around in mid-March. A tough non-conference schedule and a difficult Atlantic Coast Conference slate could make for some tough lumps along the way, but the Tar Heels should be prepared for a deep NCAA Tournament run when the time comes.

Next. Analysts predict where Kerwin Walton will commit. dark

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