Barnes Stays
The UNC Tarheels had a very forgettable 2009-2010 season. They missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Roy Williams; the only bright side was a run in the NIT that left the Tarheels with a 20-17 overall record. Fans were discouraged but maintained hope coming into the 2010-2011 season.
Williams returned big men John Henson and Tyler Zeller to go along with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Harrison Barnes was the big name, ranked as the top freshman in the nation. The class also included Reggie Bullock and Kendall Marshall. While many argue that Marshall fueled the Tarheels turnaround this winter by taking over the point guard position from Larry Drew, Barnes was the Tarheels’ biggest offensive threat. From a late February victory against Maryland through UNC’s tournament run, Barnes averaged 21.5 points per game, including a 40 point outburst against Clemson.
While the Tarheels fell short in the Elite 8 to Kentucky, Barnes boosted his NBA stock and seemed poised to make the jump after his first year of school. With his abilities and size (6-8) Barnes looks like he has the potential for a monster NBA career. On Monday Barnes announced that that NBA career will be put on hold for one more season.
Barnes has decided to come back to UNC for his sophomore campaign and in his words, 'prepare for a special season'. Barnes is joined by the returning frontcourt duo of Henson and Zeller. The team will be identical to last year's elite 8 bunch, the only loss being senior forward Justin Knox. Coach Williams will look to combine this in-house talent with another star class that includes McDonald's All-Americans James McAdoo and P.J. Hairston.
With news of the big 3 returning to UNC, fans and analysts will no doubt be expecting big things from these Tarheels. While we wait for Friday's declaration deadline to pass, UNC is in position to be #1 overall in next year's preseason polls. Roy Williams will have plenty to work with as he goes for his 3rd national championship as head coach of the Tarheels.
Williams returned big men John Henson and Tyler Zeller to go along with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Harrison Barnes was the big name, ranked as the top freshman in the nation. The class also included Reggie Bullock and Kendall Marshall. While many argue that Marshall fueled the Tarheels turnaround this winter by taking over the point guard position from Larry Drew, Barnes was the Tarheels’ biggest offensive threat. From a late February victory against Maryland through UNC’s tournament run, Barnes averaged 21.5 points per game, including a 40 point outburst against Clemson.
Barnes looks forward to 'special seaon' at UNC
While the Tarheels fell short in the Elite 8 to Kentucky, Barnes boosted his NBA stock and seemed poised to make the jump after his first year of school. With his abilities and size (6-8) Barnes looks like he has the potential for a monster NBA career. On Monday Barnes announced that that NBA career will be put on hold for one more season.
Barnes has decided to come back to UNC for his sophomore campaign and in his words, 'prepare for a special season'. Barnes is joined by the returning frontcourt duo of Henson and Zeller. The team will be identical to last year's elite 8 bunch, the only loss being senior forward Justin Knox. Coach Williams will look to combine this in-house talent with another star class that includes McDonald's All-Americans James McAdoo and P.J. Hairston.
James McAdoo joins an already stacked Tarheel lineup
With news of the big 3 returning to UNC, fans and analysts will no doubt be expecting big things from these Tarheels. While we wait for Friday's declaration deadline to pass, UNC is in position to be #1 overall in next year's preseason polls. Roy Williams will have plenty to work with as he goes for his 3rd national championship as head coach of the Tarheels.
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