UNC Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Tar Heels

Key reserves

Seventh Woods
Woods will undoubtedly start more than a few games and may actually begin the season in that role, but I see him more as sixth or seventh (no pun intended) man. He’s a gifted athlete with two years of experience in UNC’s system, which gives him a major advantage. However, his terrible shooting can make him somewhat of a liability offensively.

Sterling Manley
Manley will start a number of games, as well, as the first true big man in the rotation. But given the smaller, more perimeter-oriented style UNC projects to play this year, I think he’ll come off the bench as the sixth man. He averaged 14.4 rebounds per 40 minutes last year and will need to play a major role on the glass again given this team’s lack of height.

Garrison Brooks
Carolina’s other true big man, Brooks provides more muscle on the inside as a 6-9, 230-pound bruiser. He needs to prove he can do more on the offensive end but there’s a definite role for him considering how much Williams loves to play his big men.

Rechon Black
The third member of the freshmen class, “Leaky” has drawn praise from Williams for his versatility at 6-7. Black’s minutes should vary based on the matchup but he’s in a good position considering the multitude of things he can do.

Andrew Platek
Platek only averaged 7.5 minutes per game last season as a shooter who provided depth in the backcourt, and there’s nothing to suggest he’s in for a bigger role in 2018-19. However, if he improves defensively, he’ll see a few more minutes.

Brandon Robinson
Robinson also provides depth on the wing as a versatile 6-5, 170-pounder. Like Platek, he’ll only be used for a few minutes each half or if one of the top wings gets into foul trouble.

Brandon Huffman
The 6-10, 250-pounder provides muscle on the inside in only spot minutes. He’ll play whenever the Heels need to buy time when their bigs are in foul trouble.