Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Best Tar Heel Role Players of the Decade

By Nick Delahanty

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: TV personality Jim Nantz speaks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and his team after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: TV personality Jim Nantz speaks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and his team after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – MARCH 08: Cameron Crazies and fans of the Duke Blue Devils try to distract Leslie McDonald #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 8, 2014 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke defeated North Carolina 93-81. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – MARCH 08: Cameron Crazies and fans of the Duke Blue Devils try to distract Leslie McDonald #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 8, 2014 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke defeated North Carolina 93-81. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

The best North Carolina basketball role players since 2010: Leslie McDonald

Leslie McDonald is another player who’s career in North Carolina began prior to the start of the decade, but the majority of his time in Chapel Hill was during the decade, so he’s definitely included in the mix.

In a time where four-year college athletes were much more common, McDonald was a guy who was invested in the North Carolina basketball program for the long-term. A knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2011-2012 season (which would’ve been his junior season) but a redshirt season allowed him to complete his four seasons of eligibility.

Similar to players we’ve already discussed, McDonald is another guy who’s role increased over time. Over his first three collegiate seasons, the Memphis, TN native was a contributor off the bench who earned more playing time as he gained more experience.

As a senior, McDonald finally got his chance to start for the Tar Heels. He appeared in 25 games (starting 18) of them, and his production in his new expanded role. His 10.4 points per game were a career-best, as he was one of four Tar Heels to average double-digit scoring figures.

McDonald is another prime example of a guy who embraced his role and made the most of his opportunity once he earned more playing time.

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