Roy Williams has to actually be enjoying overturning people's expectations, huh? Monday he was warning everyone that he would speak to his players on Tuesday but not to ask any announcements until next week. Then Wednesday brings notice that both John Henson and Tyler Zellerare returning to UNCfor their junior and senior seasons, respectively.
Obviously this is big news for Carolina, who otherwise would be starting only freshmen - including possibly folks who have yet to send to UNC - in the post. Instead, the Heels will make the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and their leading scorer back. This alone will give them the ACC Preseason favorite, and that's without discussion of Harrison Barnes' plans yet. The freshman, according to Williams is not as far along in the decision process, and is expected to build up his mind next week.
Something that may have that decision a little easier isthe announcementthat came out of Durham today. Kylie Irving is entering the NBA Draft, making him the most prominent Blue Devil in history to never have the base against Carolina. Irving appears to be a lock for the top pick in the draft, which means if Barnes wants that accolade as well, he'll get to hold until 2012. I sincerely doubt that is at all factoring into his decision, but the act also leaves Duke's backcourt incredibly young and completely filled with shooters. If I had to estimate at this point I'd think Seth Curry would get over the Nolan Smith role of guy press-ganged into the point guard position - he would often take the egg up when Smith was on the bench - but the team looks very unbalanced. Even more so if, like me, you make really little value for the back of the various Plumlees. The Blue Devils might struggle a little more than their talent level would indicate next season; the best outcomes are either Austin Rivers carrying large parts of the squad or Krzyzewski doing an excellent job in making an offence to play with the disparate parts.
The ACC has had relatively few early entrants this year, with only Reggie Jackson of BC, Jordan Williams of Maryland, and Iman Shumpert of Georgia Tech having declared. Shumpert is almost certainly returning, and the former two are holding the doorway opened to do likewise at this point. The ACC should be a much stronger conference next season, but the Heels will unquestionably be a step above the competition. More so if Barnes returns.
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