Keeping It Heel
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UNC Women’s Basketball walk-on shouldn’t be overlooked

By Nick Delahanty

Mar 3, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Courtney Banghart watches play during the first half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Courtney Banghart watches play during the first half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
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We kick off our UNC Women’s Basketball player previews by taking a closer look at an intriguing walk-on who is taking a chance on herself.

One of the best things about sports is the stories of the individuals who play it.

Sydney Barker is one of the best storylines surrounding the UNC women’s basketball team this season, as her path to Chapel Hill isn’t one that matches her fellow teammates.

The Durham, North Carolina native is taking a chance on herself, as she turned down scholarship offers from various schools (such as Wilmington, Furman, and Wofford) to be a walk-on for Courtney Banghart’s team.

Don’t let the fact that she’s a walk-on fool you: Sydney Barker is a baller.

Prior to North Carolina

Barker made a name for herself at Jordan High School, as she was the Conference Player of the Year during both her junior and senior seasons… She holds the school’s records for career points, points in a season, and points in a game, as she showcased her ability to score the basketball on plenty of occasions.

One of her brightest moments came on her senior night. With Courtney Banghart in attendance, Barker dropped 46 points to leave a lasting mark on the fans in attendance, proving that she was one of the best players that ever went through the program.

What to Expect in 2023-2024

With a veteran team in place, playing time might not come easy for Barker early on. However, this is a tremendous opportunity for her to adjust to the college game and learn as the season goes on.

As she continues to develop, she very well could push for some minutes as the season rolls along. She might be viewed as a developmental player, but the opportunity may present itself earlier than we expect.

Bold Prediction

Don’t underestimate someone who loves the University of North Carolina as much as Sydney Barker does.

By the time her career in Chapel Hill comes to a close, Barker will be a player who rightfully earns a scholarship. She will develop into a player who is valuable both as a leader and as a player, as she’ll do whatever it takes to succeed as a member of the UNC women’s basketball program.

Next. Elliot Cadeau set to make immediate impact. dark

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