Jarail's First Impressions of the 2020/2021 Tar Heels
On Wednesday November 25th the Carolina Tar Heels took the hardwood for the first time this season against the College of Charleston.
Seeing the Heels suit up was a welcoming seen as this entire year has been crazy for sports. After a terrible showing last season, I looked forward to the seeing the incoming freshman class and what they would bring to the table. For a first game I was not disappointed. There was also a change in scenery as the gym was seemingly empty due to Covid restrictions and Coach Williams was not wearing a jacket and tie.
The standout freshman that caught my attention were Day’Ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler, RJ Davis, Caleb Love and Puff Johnson.
Day’Ron Sharpe: Hard working big man that was cleaning the boards with his first college double-double 10 Rebounds 13 Points in 22 mins of play. His hustle and free throw making ability really took me back to the Tyler Hansbrough days. He has a very similar style of play and I hope he is able to improve to the level of a Pyscho T.
Walker Kessler: Do to Covid Protocols we didn’t get to see much of Walker in the season opener… BUT of the 5 mins he played he put up 4 rebounds and 6 points. Walker is very agile for a big man and has a smooth shot. I can tell he is going to be something special. Expect him and Day’Ron Sharpe to see high minutes.
RJ Davis: Certified shooter, RJ had a slow start in the game with a seemingly flat jump shot, but as the game progressed, he began to start knocking down shots and tough layups. He was also able to effectively bring the ball up the court when point guard Caleb Love went to the sideline after what looked to be a nasty fall. RJ is going to be a play maker and his scoring ability will be welcoming when ACC conference play begins!
Caleb Love: Starting point guard had a quiet 17 points and 4 assist in 27 mins. He was able to control the pace of the game despite being a freshman on a top tier college basketball program. He is quick , explosive and able to knock down shots. The Duo of Davis and Love in the back court will be something dangerous when ACC play starts.
Puff Johnson: This man is a sleeper. The brother of a great former player Cam Johnson, Puff saw limited minutes due to Covid Protocols. He reminds me of a Danny Green that can come off the bench and provide instant offense. In his 3 mins played Puff came into the game and knocked down a deep 3 ball nothing but nets! This was also the only time he touched the ball. He will see a lot more minutes in the coming games and I expect some of the upper classman will see minutes drop to accommodate these talented Freshman.
Although we still have some work to do with a young team I am excited for our next game against UNLV on Monday November 30th. Having a team full of players that can score and have no problem taking big shots is welcoming considering last year. Stay tuned in for Tar Heel basketball and look for these freshman to impact the game in a big way!
Returning players in Armondo Bacot, Garrison Brooks, Andrew Platek and Leaky black will see some minute reduction in my opinion. Brooks came on strong at the end of last season and is preseason ACC player of the year. With his showing in the first game of 6 points and 11 in 28 minutes he will see some reduce playing time in my opinion “or he should”. Brooke can provide some great leadership to the freshman and likely will continue to start. Bacot has some good looks in the post and put up 12 point 8 rebounds in 22 minutes. Andrew Platek and Leaky Black still have not improved the way I had hoped, but they can also provide some leadership experience. I expect their minutes to be reduced as well. Overall I am excited for the team this year and depending on the whole Covid situation I expect a great showing! We should finish top 3 in the ACC.
Thanks for reading!
Jarail