UNC Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Tar Heels

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot performs against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 11: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers shoots over Garrison Brooks #15 and Brandon Robinson #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on February 11, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Virginia won 69-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Starting Lineup

Cole Anthony

Ever since he stepped foot on campus, the top point guard in the nation embraced his stardom, and he’ll do so as the team’s offensive hub. Anthony, who many predict will fight for a top-3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, will have total control of the Carolina offense from Day One. The 6-foot-3 guard brings dynamic athleticism, powerful downhill scoring, a mean pull-up game, and underrated passing to a UNC team that needs offense wherever it can find it.

Christian Keeling

One of two graduate transfers on the Tar Heel roster, the 6-foot-4 two-guard from Charleston Southern brings explosive scoring and perimeter shooting to complete a potent backcourt duo alongside Anthony. Keeling averaged 18.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 three-pointers per game last season as one of the Big South’s best players, and he’ll look to bring his shot-making and tenacious rebounding at his size to a Carolina team that lost serious production.

Brandon Robinson

Earlier last week, I wrote about why the senior guard was deserving of a starting spot despite three years of playing a small role, because of the complementary shooting and unheralded playmaking that he brings to the offense. Friday’s exhibition against Winston-Salem State revealed that he would, in fact, be this year’s starting small forward — until an opponent accidentally landed on Robinson’s right ankle, spraining it in the process. Robinson is expected to miss at least a few weeks (and potentially more), so someone else will need to step up in the meantime.

Garrison Brooks

The lone holdover from last season’s starting lineup, Garrison Brooks will look to reclaim his position in the starting frontcourt, this time sliding over to his natural position of power forward, where he can share paint defending duties with freshman center Armando Bacot. Considering his growth as a passer and defender last year, Brooks could be in store for a breakout junior campaign. Perhaps his 18-point, 11-rebound, 4-steal outing against Winston-Salem State is a hint at what’s to come.

Armando Bacot

At 6-foot-10 with a 230-pound frame, the five-star center will give Roy Williams an actual center-sized-center in the starting lineup. Bacot has worked his way into tremendous shape over the past year and a half, making him an ideal big man to run in the Carolina Break. His passing and post-game are perfect fits in coach Williams’ dual-post frontcourt.

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