North Carolina Basketball: No Kevin Knox for Tar Heels, what now?

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) cuts the net after the win against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 5, 2017; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24) shoots the ball over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) during the first half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard

Starter – Kenny Williams*

The asterisk is only there for the great unknown, which would be Coach Williams putting in Felton into the starting lineup for more offense. Otherwise, it would seem natural to return Williams to the role he enjoyed in the early part of the past season.

For two years, we have waited for Kenny Williams to become the shooter he was advertised as back when he was the consolation prize for Brandon Ingram. He needs to show this season. If he can pair his high motor, quickness, and toughness to a three point shot then he will be close to being a complete player. Besides the Williams of old (Donald, Shammond, even Jawad) all shot threes. It goes against the tradition.

If he can pair his high motor, quickness, and toughness to a three point shot then he will be close to being a complete player. Besides the Williams of old (Donald, Shammond, even Jawad) all shot threes. It goes against the tradition.

Even if Williams does not suddenly pour it in from outside, he will give the Tar Heels a rather stout defensive backcourt. This is a team that will win with defense in a way that previous teams (exempting the 2017 title run) did not. It will put more scoring pressure on Berry, however.

Backups – Jalek Felton, Seventh Woods, Brandon Robinson, Andrew Platek

There are lots of little lineup choices for Coach Roy Williams to make after Williams waves the tired signal. Of the guys listed here, all of them could see time at a different position as well.

Robinson will be in the small forward mix more than this one. It is also arguable that the shooting guard and small forward positions are not so different in a Roy Williams offense.

Felton gets the benefit of the doubt here. Woods was deployed alongside Berry sparingly last year. Platek is a freshman who will see time, but it will probably be on the lower side, taking over Robinson’s role from last year.

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