We’re thrust into a shocking new era in Chapel Hill with the offseason hiring of Michael Malone as the new head coach of the Tar Heels. What Hubert Davis accomplished over the last half decade just wasn’t enough, especially after struggling in the NCAA Tournament this past season. However, the job ahead for Malone isn’t necessarily easy trying to build national success at this Blue Blood program.
Looking into Tar Heels roster
What immediately stands out for the Tar Heels is how different the roster will look next season. Major playmakers like Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar and Seth Trimble are all gone and a few other names departed through the portal. Malone was able to keep Jarin Stevenson, the 6-11 forward who averaged 8.1 points per game last season, and he’s not the only returning face offering some stability here.
Malone and his new staff busied themselves with freshmen, transfers, and international prospects to build a contending lineup and they’ve had a few hits. A pair of ACC freshman really boosts that potential, getting Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech and Matt Able from rival NC State. Former Northwestern 7-footer Cade Bennerman joins a crew of new frontcourt players but it’s someone in the backcourt that has our attention here.
Expectations are high
The Tar Heels are clearly expecting big things this season from Terrence Brown. A 6-3 point guard originally from Minneapolis, he put up incredible numbers as an underclassman at FDU, leading the NEC in scoring as a sophomore. Last season, Brown transferred to Utah and was equally important in the Big 12, putting up 19.9 points and 3.8 assists in a major role for the Utes.
North Carolina is bringing in some notable recruits and freshmen additions but what Brown really needs to provide is veteran experience and direction. A lineup that just might be filled with underclassman is depending on Brown to be that senior who can not only facilitate on the court but help this lineup turn into a contender. He might not need to be around 20 points a game for North Carolina to be successful, though the Tar Heels know he can be a machine on offense.
With so many moving parts in Chapel Hill, it’s hard to picture what exactly the floor or ceiling might be, especially with a first-year head coach who’s been out of college coaching for decades. Regardless of how these pieces fit together, Brown must be the key cog that makes everything fit together just right. We’re not saying he becomes the top scorer but he’s a focal point in everything this team does for the next nine months.
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