Season in Review: Will Graves

This past year, we finally saw some of that sharp shooter rumor that had followed Will Graves around since he arrived on campus. Graves started at the three spot all year except for a handful of games where he was injured. The issues that followed him last year and ended up getting him suspended, didn't rear their head and haunt him this year. Graves had some monster games for the Heels this year where he was launching threes and draining them. Graves was even a great team player by playing the four spot at times this year when the Heels were a little thin in the post or when they went small, therefore showing off his versatility.

What I didn't like:

1. Inconsistency. As mentioned above, Graves did have some monster games this past year. In the NIT final against Dayton, Graves had 25 points, but he also had a three game stretch against BC, GA Tech, and NC State where he only totaled 16 points in those three games. If you look at the stats, this pattern happened quite often. Graves, as a senior needs to step up and be more consistent for the baby Heels.

2. Defense. Graves hasn't. been exceptional on the defensive end. He just needs to buckle down and start defending, especially since he will be needed to play some in the four spot again this year.

What I liked:

1. Shooting. Graves was one of the few Tar Heels who could stretch the opposing defense with the three point shot. Although I would like his consistency to improve, he did shoot at a 37% clip, but it seemed when he had his good nights, he was unstoppable and then when he had his bad nights, he wasn't a threat at all, which would explain the inconsistency.

2. Rebounding. Despite his size, Graves isn't a bad rebounder. He gets 5 a game and that was only in 25 minutes. He only had 1 double-double, but had quite a few 8 and 9 rebound games. Granted, he had to rebound because the Heels got thin in the post as the season progressed, but he did a commendable job and proved that he's just not a shooter.

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Will Graves is going to be the leader of this team, which is scary, but I hope he can pull through for this year's team. Although he doesn't need to be the leading scorer (I think Harrison Barnes will inherit that), he does need to be consistent for the Heels. I'm not sure if Graves will even start next year, but he needs to accept his role and perform that role to the best of his abilities.

Season in Review: Tyler Zeller

The Big Z got hurt again. I'm not sure if this is a sign of things to come, but hopefully not. He played well before he got hurt and returned to action quickly and was still able to contribute through the Heels' late NIT run. I like the stats from Zeller in just limited minutes of 9 points and 5 rebounds and am hopeful he is ready to be the main man for the Heels this upcoming season.



What I didn't like:

1. Playing time. As the only true center on the Tar Heels roster, I am a little surprised he only played 17 minutes per game. I am not one to openly question Roy Williams' decisions, I do wonder why Zeller didn't play more like 25 minutes per game. He seemed to do everything that Williams required, although his defense isn't what I would classify as amazing, but not terrible.



2. Injury. Big Z was making progress and was hurt again, but thankfully, unlike last season where he seemed sluggish when he returned, this go-around he bounced back quickly and still did well and didn't seem lost while he was out there. Oh the difference a year makes.



What I liked:

1. Skills. Tyler Zeller is a skilled big man and runs the floor well. He needs to keep improving because I am expecting him to play either the main man or second fiddle to Harrison Barnes. Remember in Zeller's first game as a Tar Heel, he lead the team in scoring with 18 points. We've seen flashes, similar to flashes we saw throughout Deon Thompson's career, but hopefully, Zeller can deliver!



2. Accepting his role. Even though I felt Zeller deserved more minutes, no indication was made that he was unhappy with his role on the team. He did what was expected of him and should look to build on that success.

I can't stress enough how important Tyler Zeller will be next year, but even if he is not a great score, just his presence alone will be important. I say that because of the lack of post man the Heels will have available. He needs to stay injury free and I think the rest will take care of itself for Tyler Zeller.

Season in Review: Ed Davis

Oh Steady Eddie wasn't very steady for the Heels this past year. He was more like "I don't really care about being Steady Eddie." If you look at his stats of 13 points and nearly 10 boards a game, you may think that was pretty good, but the sky was the limit for this kid and he seemed to have gotten stuck in the terminal at the airport. His blocks peer game were good and his FG% was awesome, but he could have been so amazing, but he is now been drafted by the Toronto Raptors. Good luck in Canada, eh?

I'm not going to elaborate on things I liked and didn't like because it has been awhile and Davis can no longer improve on things at UNC because of that whole Canadian thing now.

Season in Review: Dexter Strickland

As I did last year, I will review each scholarship player numerically with the underclassman going first and building up to the seniors. So first up on the list is Dexter Strickland.

Dexter showed some flashes of being a good player and was somewhat forced to play out of position for the majority of the season by being the backup point guard. Next year, it will be nice to see him slide over to shooting guard and see if he fares better.

What didn’t like:
1. Inconsistency. Some games he would have a double figure scoring, but others, he would barely show up in the stat book. I would like Strickland to be able to establish himself more as a consistent player.

2. Shooting %. Strickland shot 43% from the field, 29% from 3, and 69% from the free throw line. As the shooting guard, you have to be able to shoot and Strickland was not always effective from a shooter’s perspective. In his defense, he did play some point guard, but the percentage needs to be brought up.

What I liked:
1. Drive. One thing I especially liked about Strickland was it seemed he was the only Tar Heel fully capable of creating his own shot. That comes with being the backup point guard and shooting guard at the same time, but at times, he was the only Tar Heel who would drive to the basket and see what happened. He was aggressive and I like an attacking guard. Next year, he should be better able to attack from the wing.

2. Willingness. Strickland showed some leadership potential by willing to play 2 positions. That means he has to learn the plays for two positions and handle setting up the offense and guarding one of the other team’s best players (because what guard hasn’t gone off the Tar Heels before?) Credit should be given to Strickland for being able to step up into a role that is a little out of his comfort zone.

I like having Strickland come off the bench. He can be the Danny Green with the spark and energy and leader of the second squad. He’ll improve, and I look forward to watching him develop into a better overall player.