UNC Basketball: Two Tar Heels named to preseason Naismith Watch List

Two UNC Basketball players were named to the Naismith Preseason Watch List ahead of the 2020-21 college basketball season

In just a week we will officially have college basketball on our TV’s as it returns for what will be a very interesting 2020-21 season. For the UNC Basketball program, Roy Williams is hoping to rebound off a difficult 14-19 season a year ago.

The Tar Heels return some talented players in Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot and Leaky Black, three starters that should contribute even more this year. But they also bring in a very talented recruiting class that features three five-star players.

While we continue to wait for the start of the season, the Atlanta Tipoff Club released their watch list for the 2021 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy on Thursday. The trophy is given out each year to the national player of the year in college basketball.

Of the 50 players on the list, UNC players Caleb Love and Garrison Brooks made the cut as the Tar Heels were one of seven schools on the list:

Brooks is entering his senior year with the Tar Heels and coming off the best season he’s had so far in Chapel Hill. The forward averaged 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds, earning All-ACC honors for his play last year. Going into this year, Brooks was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.

As for Love, he’s the prized recruit in this stacked class. The five star guard is one of the best scorers in the 2020 class and should provide a big boost for the Tar Heels offense. He will have the chance to start right away and make a big impact for this Tar Heels’ team.

The list of 50 will be cut down to 30 in February, then 10 semifinalists and four finalists in March before the winner is announced in April.

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