North Carolina Basketball: 2019-20 season overview of the Tar Heels

North Carolina basketball had a rough year but got to see some solid individual progression throughout the season from their young players. Despite finishing in a 3-way tie for last place in the ACC, the Tar Heels have a bright future due to a top-3 2020 recruiting class.

It would obviously be an understatement to say the 2019-20 North Carolina basketball season didn’t go the way Tar Heel faithful wanted or expected. The Tar Heels, led by elite freshman talents Cole Anthony and Armando Bacot, and junior Garrison Brooks struggled to get production out of their role players all season long. On top of that, an in-season injury to Anthony definitely didn’t help things.

Following Anthony’s injury, the Tar Heels lost back-to-back games before two-straight wins led by Brandon Robinson and Garrison Brooks. North Carolina went on to go 2-5 over their next seven games following their win over Yale, as ACC play sunk any very slim hopes they had at getting anywhere near bubble territory. Anthony’s return on February 1st against Boston College did not help and despite the freshman really catching his stride late in the season, the Tar Heels were beaten by 28 in the second round of the ACC Tournament.

Despite the disappointing season-ending defeat at the hands of Syracuse, the Tar Heels did finish strong, winning four of their last six games  (including the loss to the Orange). Anthony had at least 19 points on 57% shooting or better over three North Carolina wins from February 25th to March 3rd, helping his draft stock the only way he could. Despite the talent of Roy Williams’ top players, UNC was doomed to be one of the worst teams in the ACC and finish with the worst record during his Tar Heels’ career.

Though it was a rough year for Tar Heel nation, they can look forward to a loaded, top-3 recruiting class and the possibility of a return or two as well. Expect Roy Williams and co. to bounce back in a big way next season.