There are several perfectly good reasons why we might want to add a backup center to our roster. Armando was injured a number of times last season (not to mention in the championship game the year before). We don't know if Washington will "be there" this coming season. And Zaden High is an unknown factor.
Withers and Ingram could probably do spot duty in the post if they had to, especially against smaller teams, but they are more 4/3 or 3/4 than 4/5.
The problem, of course, is that it will be hard to get someone who is proven to be good enough who - barring injury or foul trouble - would be willing to play limited minutes.
On the other hand, there are several youngsters - frosh and sophs - in the portal. Not proven, but some may have good potential. And because they have several years of eligibility left, they might be perfectly happy coming to UNC, even if they aren't used that much in their first year.
So should we go after a guy like that?
This question came to mind when I noticed that St John's freshman center entered the portal. I know nothing about him. Might be a hard pass for all I know. But he fits the bill of someone who might be delighted to attend UNC and could give some minutes now, and play his way into more in the future.
This backup center question reminds me of the year when we already had Manley and Huffman and the debate was whether we should also get Garrison Brooks. Many here said we should pass. As it turned out, he was the only success in that trio of centers.
Of course that year, 2018, we didn't have a returning center. Much less an All-ACC center.
Personally, I'd stick with what we have. But what do you guys think? Should we try to land a backup center? And, if so, should we go for a proven player or a youngster?
Withers and Ingram could probably do spot duty in the post if they had to, especially against smaller teams, but they are more 4/3 or 3/4 than 4/5.
The problem, of course, is that it will be hard to get someone who is proven to be good enough who - barring injury or foul trouble - would be willing to play limited minutes.
On the other hand, there are several youngsters - frosh and sophs - in the portal. Not proven, but some may have good potential. And because they have several years of eligibility left, they might be perfectly happy coming to UNC, even if they aren't used that much in their first year.
So should we go after a guy like that?
This question came to mind when I noticed that St John's freshman center entered the portal. I know nothing about him. Might be a hard pass for all I know. But he fits the bill of someone who might be delighted to attend UNC and could give some minutes now, and play his way into more in the future.
This backup center question reminds me of the year when we already had Manley and Huffman and the debate was whether we should also get Garrison Brooks. Many here said we should pass. As it turned out, he was the only success in that trio of centers.
Of course that year, 2018, we didn't have a returning center. Much less an All-ACC center.
Personally, I'd stick with what we have. But what do you guys think? Should we try to land a backup center? And, if so, should we go for a proven player or a youngster?