Wahoo Wire

With basketball season gearing up, Wahoo Wire will be previewing each ACC team.

North Carolina Tar Heels

2010 Record: 20-17 (.541)

2010 ACC Record: 5-11 (t-9^th)

2010 Postseason: Lost to Dayton in NIT Championship

2010/11 Projected Starting Lineup:

• PG Larry Drew
• SG Dexter Strickland
• SF Harrison Barnes
• PF John Henson
• C Tyler Zeller

What they Lost:

The Tar Heels lost some serious talent in the frontcourt from last year’s relatively disappointing team. The most notable loss was Sophmore PF Ed Davis, who was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 13^th pick in the most recent NBA Draft. However, the loss with the most significant long-term consequences comes with the decision of the Wear brothers to transfer to UCLA. The Wear twins were highly touted freshman coming into UNC, and head coach Roy Williams had to be grief-stricken when the brothers, each measuring at 6”10, informed him they were taking their talents to the west coast. The Heels also lost SG Marcus Ginyard, a senior who provided steady leadership and a strong defensive presence, and senior guard Will Graves, who was dismissed in October.

What they Gained:

Surely the focus on this year’s squad will be focused on the newcomers to the UNC basketball program. Coach Williams landed the #1 recruit in the nation when SF Harrison Barnes signed with the Heels. Many regard Barnes to be a sure one-and-done player, but his immense talent will surely lead the Tar Heels to a successful season. Also new to the team is a Bishop O’Connell HS product, PG Kendall Marshall. Marshall was rated the #1 passing-PG in the 2010 freshman class by scouting services, and his up-tempo style will certainly mesh with Roy Williams high-octane offense.

Summary:

The 2009-10 season marked one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory for the fans of Chapel Hill. The Heels missed out on the NCAA tournament and finished 9^th in the ACC (with the same ACC record as UVA believe it or not). Last season the Heels suffered from a variety of injuries, and played a brutal out-of-conference schedule. However, this season the Heels have much more reason for optimism. They boast a fantastic freshman class, highlighted by #1 prospect Harrison Barnes. Barnes will likely be in the NBA next season, but stellar freshman such as John Wall and Kevin Durant have shown that diaper dandies can have substantial impacts even if only for one season. This year, the Heels will go as far as their young talent can take them.

• Boston College
• Clemson
• Duke
• Florida State
• Georgia Tech
• Miami
• Maryland
• NC State
• Virginia
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest