Busting Brackets
Fansided

ACC Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference

By Lukas Harkins

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 04: Grayson Allen (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 04: Grayson Allen (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Joel Berry II (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Joel Berry II (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

North Carolina Tar Heels – SR Joel Berry II

Coming off a NCAA Championship in 2016-17, Joel Berry will be the star of North Carolina this season. In the offseason, the Tar Heels lost Tony Bradley, Justin Jackson, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, and Nate Britt. This is a lot of talent to lose, but if any team can make up for it, North Carolina can. Luke Maye and Theo Pinson will have to take on much bigger roles this season, but it will be Joel Berry that will need to take that next step for UNC to stay in the national title conversation.

A possible National Player of the Year contender, Joel Berry won the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Award in 2016-17. After averaging 14.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season, there is still room for Berry’s game to expand. After having his best 3-point shooting season last year as a junior (38.4% on 6.0 attempts per game), Berry is a talented scorer. Despite being slightly undersized, Berry can get into the lane and is very creative in maneuvering around the giants to get his shots up.

For North Carolina to be one of the top teams in the ACC, Berry will need to be at his best. For the first time in a while, the Tar Heels are lacking depth in the frontcourt and they will need to rely on their guards more than normal. Will Berry be up to the challenge? That is the question for this season.