UNC Basketball 2021-22 Player Preview: Duwe Farris

Our UNC basketball 2021-22 player previews continue with fourth generation Tar Heel, power forward Duwe Farris.

Some find their way to Carolina, and others are born to be a Tar Heel. That holds true for junior Duwe Farris, who is a fourth generation student-athlete to represent the Carolina blue. Farris will be embarking on his third season with the UNC basketball program in 2021, and provides depth for Hubert Davis.

This UNC basketball team is stacked, especially at the power forward and center positions. When you account for Armando Bacot, Dawson Garcia, Brady Manek and Justin McKoy, there’s a clear log jam, which could have Farris once again waiting his turn.

A turn that could likely happen if an injury occurs or if the team needs fresh energy.

Season Review, 2020-21

If this year’s power forward and center positions look like a log jam, then last year looked like Franklin street after a Duke victory. Farris appeared in a total of six games with only nine minutes played all season. In those nine minutes, Farris only attempted two shots and grabbed two rebounds.

The 6-foot-6-inch forward does have a more impressive resume from his time playing in Charlotte, North Carolina for Myers Park High School. Farris started three years while playing for Myers Park, averaging 8.4 points and four rebounds in 77 games. His ability to finish around the rim is what contributed to his 38th overall ranking in the state.

Even with the talent that currently makes up the UNC basketball roster, could we see Farris get more time on the hardwood this season?

What To Expect In 2021-22

This season, expect Farris to continue his reserve role with random splashes of playing time. This UNC squad is loaded, and instead of playing from behind, a nice big lead could lead to Farris’ number getting called early. However, close games could see more of the same from the previous two seasons. Farris knows this UNC system, and even though his Jordans may not be on the hardwood floor often, he will still offer experience as a leader of this UNC basketball team.

Bold Prediction

Farris will find his role on the team; it just won’t happen right away. I see Farris emerging into a Justin Pierce-type role, a role that emerged as a spark for UNC in the 2019-20 season. A continued rise in minutes is expected as Hubert Davis will likely mix it up more, and provide Farris with more playing opportunities.

Be sure to check back with Keeping It Heel as we continue our coverage on the UNC Basketball program.