How UNC’s recruiting class keeps them at the top
How, in a sport so contingent on one and done talent, where the longest a player can remain eligible to compete is five years, do the same teams remain amongst the top ranked squads every year?
Look no further than the University of North Carolina for the answer. The unanimously No. 1-ranked team in the nation is also bringing in the number one recruiting class to conclude what they hope to be yet another championship season.
Remaining at the top is even harder than getting there. As such, scouting and recruiting have become as big a part of college basketball as Dick Vitale. Securing top recruits ensures a programs ability to compete, and as past elite recruits like Carmelo Anthony of Syracuse and Derrick Rose of Memphis have shown, one great freshman can be all it takes to reach the National Championship game.
The Tar Heels have five top 100 recruits headed to Chapel Hill next fall, which illustrates their desire to stay amongst the top programs in the nation. Below is a look at each of these five additions and what they bring to Roy Williams’ squad.
John Henson: ESPN’s No. 3-ranked incoming recruit is very special. The 6’10” forward has a deep skill set, which includes the ability to rebound, lead the break like a guard, and run the wings to either finish above the rim or pull up from three. His shot has great mechanics and requires little in the way of either time or space to get off. Henson shows a great basketball knowledge, frequently drawing second and third defenders with the ability to pass out and find the open man. He changes and blocks shots with regularity and shows superior defensive quicks for a player his size. He’s also a great teammate, who is both vocal in the locker room and on the bench where he enthusiastically cheers and supports those on the floor.
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Dexter Strickland: This 6’3″ lead guard from perennial New Jersey powerhouse St. Patrick high school is strong, plays physical and is both extremely athletic and versatile. His athleticism allows him to finish above the rim in transition or take the contact and finish with great acrobatics and hang time. Strickland has good handles and a quick first step that allows him to take his defender off the dribble. When he gets space he can hit the pull up jumper. He shows a score-first mindset, but his ability to dribble drive opens up wing players and his passing ability gets them good shots. He plays hard on both ends of the floor and his quick hands and feet makes him a tenacious competitor for any guard.
Leslie McDonald: A player with Richard Hamilton/Reggie Miller type upside, who showcases the ability to come off screens and knock down shots. He can hit the open three in the flow of the game and can lock down his man defensively. McDonald is also very capable of playing point guard and shows the ability to find the open man and make the right pass consistently. Should benefit greatly from Strickland’s ability to penetrate. Wins wherever he plays.
David Wear: The skilled 6’9″ forward shows the ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot the face up jumper out to 20 feet and pass out of the high post. A decent defender, who shows good basketball IQ, decent athleticism and solid passing ability.
Travis Wear: The twin brother of David, Travis is virtually the same player. He shows solid hands and feet to go with the skill set described above. Both players prefer the perimeter to the post, but Roy Williams will likely try to encourage their ability to play inside where their quickness and soft touch are valuable weapons.
Each of these players can shoot the basketball, can pass and find the open man and can compete defensively, but perhaps their most notable similarity is their experience with winning programs. North Carolina appeared to have solidified their position amongst the NCAA elite for the coming year, and these recruits should prove to be a great addition to a team that could be returning standout juniors Ty Lawson, Deon Thompson, Wayne Ellington, and productive freshmen Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis. Should Lawson and Ellington decide not to join senior teammates Danny Green and college superstar Tyler Hansbrough in declaring for the NBA Entry Draft, then the Tar Heels chances of winning next year may be even greater than they are right now. Either way, Roy Williams has a contender on his hands for years to come.
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