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Which Player(s) Will Improve the Most Next Season?

What Would Jesus Do?

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If you pick Bradley or Berry, also pick another, just in case.

While I don't rule out Luke making additional improvements, I figure his big jump happened this year.

I sort of feel the same way about Kenny, although he has more room for improvement, so he could make big strides.

Theo could be that guy. He might have been that guy this year if not for the 2 injuries that sort of kept him from putting it all together. He still needs to improve his shooting and focus. But he gave good signs this year that he will be able to do that. In which case he could have an impressive senior year. He'll have incentive, too, because he'll need a great year to get the NBA recognition he needs.

That said, I'm more inclined to put my money on either 7th or Brandon. Seventh seemed to be on the verge of major improvements the last couple of months. His shot still sucked, but his handle was much better. He's strong. Good effort on D. I worry that he looks unhappy, but that could be determination to do better. And if that's the case, I think he'll succeed with this season under his belt.

Brandon is so quick and fearless, that I just have to believe that if he muscles up and works on his shot he could have a breakout soph year. Now he might not get the minutes to show that if we sign Knox. But if we don't sign Knox, I see him playing 20+ minutes backing up Theo and a bit at SG. He needs to bulk up to be ready for that.
 
I'd go with BRob or Seventh, mainly because they have so much room for improvement and will get adequate minutes in the season to show it.
 
Ironically I was just about to comment about this to one of your posts in a different thread on this topic.

Every season we see players emerge around the NCAA who were either lightly recruited, unknowns, etc., but suddenly emerge as significant impact players. As someone who loves UNC basketball, I admit to being somewhat biased but no many do a better job than Roy in developing great teams.

When it comes to individual player growth year to year, has UNC really had many "surprises?" - meaning someone who came "out of nowhere" and suddenly became a star for the Tar Heels unexpectedly? I've seen players meet their expectations, some exceed (somewhat) their expectations, and many who have developed nicely, etc. I'm sure part of the equation is that the top teams rarely have these sorts of major surprises because they are already recruiting the top players. Who do you remember as this sort of surprise for UNC?

I'm very hopeful 7th steps up his game. He seems to have the raw talent and strikes me as someone who could do this for the Tar Heels. I say that because he'd really have to develop and improve his game on numerous fronts to turn into a real impact player. Develop his jump shot, improve on his FT's, learn to finish at the rim, etc.
 
Ironically I was just about to comment about this to one of your posts in a different thread on this topic.

Every season we see players emerge around the NCAA who were either lightly recruited, unknowns, etc., but suddenly emerge as significant impact players. As someone who loves UNC basketball, I admit to being somewhat biased but no many do a better job than Roy in developing great teams.

When it comes to individual player growth year to year, has UNC really had many "surprises?" - meaning someone who came "out of nowhere" and suddenly became a star for the Tar Heels unexpectedly? I've seen players meet their expectations, some exceed (somewhat) their expectations, and many who have developed nicely, etc. I'm sure part of the equation is that the top teams rarely have these sorts of major surprises because they are already recruiting the top players. Who do you remember as this sort of surprise for UNC?

I'm very hopeful 7th steps up his game. He seems to have the raw talent and strikes me as someone who could do this for the Tar Heels. I say that because he'd really have to develop and improve his game on numerous fronts to turn into a real impact player. Develop his jump shot, improve on his FT's, learn to finish at the rim, etc.
Hard to think of major upside surprises. A few downside surprises come to mind but I won't name names.

For most of his time at UNC Roy has been able to pick up elite recruits. When they do well, it's not really a surprise. And while Roy has taken on some projects and lower ranked players, I can't think of any who have turned into unexpected stars. Luke comes closest. Certainly better than most of us expected, with 2 years to go.

But I was thinking more of people who turn the corner in a big way. So that's more a matter of improving a lot from last year.
 
Luke and Kenny. I think you will see Kenny turn a corner especially offensively. His defense will continue to improve but he's already shown how good he can be there.
 
If you pick Bradley or Berry, also pick another, just in case.

While I don't rule out Luke making additional improvements, I figure his big jump happened this year.

I sort of feel the same way about Kenny, although he has more room for improvement, so he could make big strides.

Theo could be that guy. He might have been that guy this year if not for the 2 injuries that sort of kept him from putting it all together. He still needs to improve his shooting and focus. But he gave good signs this year that he will be able to do that. In which case he could have an impressive senior year. He'll have incentive, too, because he'll need a great year to get the NBA recognition he needs.

That said, I'm more inclined to put my money on either 7th or Brandon. Seventh seemed to be on the verge of major improvements the last couple of months. His shot still sucked, but his handle was much better. He's strong. Good effort on D. I worry that he looks unhappy, but that could be determination to do better. And if that's the case, I think he'll succeed with this season under his belt.

Brandon is so quick and fearless, that I just have to believe that if he muscles up and works on his shot he could have a breakout soph year. Now he might not get the minutes to show that if we sign Knox. But if we don't sign Knox, I see him playing 20+ minutes backing up Theo and a bit at SG. He needs to bulk up to be ready for that.
I see a big sophomore leap for BRob. He came in with a scorer's swagger --- just needs a summer of weight-gain and toughening up of the defensive end. Kid has the capability of filling it up.
 
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My guess would be Brandon as well. He should get at least 20 MPG in relief of Theo at SF and whoever starts at SG. I hope he will stick around this summer, eat cheeseburgers and pizza every day, and be working with Jonas in the weight room. He can be very good with additional strength, though I think he'll be like Henson and it will be tough to gain weight.
 
I see a big sophomore leap for BRob. He came in with a scorer's swagger --- just needs a summer of weight-gain and toughening up of the defensive end. Kid has the capability of filling it up.

You are not as high on Seventh and I am, but I see major gains with him.
This kid has unreal athletic ability, and as his point guard IQ increases, watch out.
 
You are not as high on Seventh and I am, but I see major gains with him.
This kid has unreal athletic ability, and as his point guard IQ increases, watch out.
I'm with you til the last part... I think he'll have a much better chance of flourishing if he doesn't have to worry about that aspect of the game..
 
Luke and Kenny. I think you will see Kenny turn a corner especially offensively. His defense will continue to improve but he's already shown how good he can be there.
Yeah, the next step for KW is mental, i.e., confidence. He made the physical jump now he just has to believe he's as good as he is.
 
I'm with you til the last part... I think he'll have a much better chance of flourishing if he doesn't have to worry about that aspect of the game..

Right now that may be true, but done the road if he has any desire to play at the next level, it will be at the PG position.

He was rough at times this year, but I saw some improvement near the end of the season, and I still don't think he's 100% healthy.

Let's re-examine him in year 3.
 
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Yeah, BRob for me too. Guy seemed to relish every second of court-time as a frosh, looking forward to seeing his 'second-year-transformation'

Not sure about burgers and pizza.... get a few pounds of potatoes and half a cow on his plate per day!
 
I had to read go back AND RE-READ THE TITLE of this thread, thought maybe there was something that limited it to guards?

I wouldn't think anyone would pick a most improved list without having Tony Bradley at the top of it. Maybe it is just folks not sure if he will be back but IO, he is back until he can no longer come back. AFTER Tony, yeah, BRob and 7th are guys I am expecting big improvements from.
 
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