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5 reasons North Carolina will return to Final Four

By Brad Weiss

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot celebrates in the confetti after defeatin ghte Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot celebrates in the confetti after defeatin ghte Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) cuts down the net after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) cuts down the net after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joel Berry II

The entire 2017-18 season will hinge on one factor, whether or not Joel Berry II returns for his senior season. While Berry showed on a national stage that he can lead a team to the biggest of victories, he is certainly not considered a first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. While that may be hard for Berry, it is a good thing for Tar Heels fans, who want nothing more than for him to return for another shot at the title.

Berry was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, after an incredible performance in the title game against Gonzaga. Coming back like a warrior from a bad ankle injury, Berry left everything out on the court, scoring a game-high 22 points. Without Meeks, Jackson, and Hicks next season, the Tar Heels cannot afford to also lose Berry, so their entire run to a third Final Four is solely in his hands.

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Coming back for another year would definitely help Berry’s draft status, as one more season dominating in college will make him even more valuable in the eyes of NBA scouts. Berry could also play mentor to Jalek Felton, who is certain to take over for him at the point once he graduates. This team is going to rely on players who have yet to play key roles in college before, so having a veteran leader like Berry at practice, and running the show in games is going to be key for the 2017-18 Tar Heels.

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