Despite losing to Florida State in the ACC Tournament Semifinals, North Carolina had a strong showing in the tournament showing that they have the potential to go deep in postseason play. What's noticeable is that this team is starting to gel nicely together and are in their best form at the right time too. Head coach Roy Williams did a nice job of recruiting before the 2020-21 season as he was finding a lot of quality players and better depth. While it was an inconsistent season for the Tar Heels (which the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic might be a gigantic factor for the inconsistencies), this is a talented bunch and is playing well at the right time. It showed in the last couple of weeks of regular season play and in the ACC Tournament as they were only four points short of advancing to the Finals, but the NCAA Tournament is a much more difficult path. UNC earned the eight seed, but they look like a side that could make a deep run. That being said, let's preview the team going into the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Domination On The Paint
Williams employs one of the best if not the best front court in college basketball. These guys get so many rebounds and have helped lead the Tar Heels to the fourth highest scoring team in the ACC (75.7 points per game), but they also ranked first in the entire NCAA Division I play in offensive rebounds per game with 15.9. That's been their backbone to some of their success this season and with their play of late. Day'ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler, Garrison Brooks, and Armando Bacot make a deep front court as not only good at scoring from the paint, but also grabbing rebounds. They absolutely dominate everyone they play in that respect. If North Carolina makes a deep run, this will be the number one reason why.
Limit Turnovers
This is what has killed UNC this season as turnovers seemed to be their kryptonite. Turnovers has caused them to lose too many games they should've won. If the Tar Heels had won them, not only would they have a higher seed, but also be ranked in the Top 25. UNC averaged 20 per game in their last four, but seemed to have that cut down significantly during the ACC Tournament. If they can do this, then good things will happen during this tournament.
The Offense Needs To Do What It Does
Remember the 75.7 points per game scored? Well, not only are they scoring from the post, but North Carolina has a talented back court. Kerwin Walton is undoubtedly their best shooter, but the offense will rely heavily on what Caleb Love does. Love is very talented, but it's clear he is still developing as a player. However, when Love is on his game, it's like flashes of Coby White and he is tough to stop. Luckily enough the team is deep in the back court as R.J. Davis can handle some serious minutes while Love sits on the bench. Andrew Platek and Leaky Black can also shoot when coming off the bench, while Anthony Harris and Puff Johnson give UNC considerable depth. The only issue for them scoring is free throws as that has killed them in recent games, but this offense puts up enough points usually to mitigate that factor. It also helps that their defense was fifth in the ACC at 69.4 points per game which should give the Tar Heels enough opportunities.
Their Opponents
What is known is that North Carolina will face off against Wisconsin in the first round. This is a game that could be close, but if UNC dominates on the boards, then they'll win as that has been the Badgers' Achilles heel. After that, it is likely they'll face number one seed Baylor who has been having an excellent season and looks to make a run at winning the entire tournament. Other great sides in the Tar Heels' region are Ohio State, Villanova, Purdue, Texas Tech, Arkansas, and Florida. ACC foe Virginia Tech is also in this side of the bracket. That being said, if North Carolina can get into the Sweet Sixteen, then there's a greater chance at a Final Four run as they match up well against other possible opponents.
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