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North Carolina basketball: 3 starting lineup options for 2020-2021

By Mike Phillips

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Leaky Black #1, Christian Keeling #55, and Justin Pierce #32 of the University of North Carolina react after a UNC basket and a foul called on NC State during a game between NC State and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on February 25, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Leaky Black #1, Christian Keeling #55, and Justin Pierce #32 of the University of North Carolina react after a UNC basket and a foul called on NC State during a game between NC State and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on February 25, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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North Carolina basketball roster
Garrison Brooks #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Next-best scenario

  • Point Guard: Caleb Love
  • Shooting Guard: Anthony Harris
  • Small Forward: Leaky Black
  • Power Forward: Garrison Brooks
  • Center: Day’Ron Sharpe

This is the most realistic lineup option for North Carolina and it comes down to one simple fact. Anthony is going to the NBA regardless of how long it takes him to announce the decision, meaning any dreams of him staying for his sophomore year were just fantasy.

Williams was completely prepared for that eventuality, which is why he recruited Love to run the point for him in 2020. Love, a five-star recruit, gets to play his natural position in this lineup and Tar Heels’ fans have to hope he is able to stay healthy for the course of the season.

The departure of Anthony, along with the graduation of Brandon Robinson, create two holes in the starting lineup. One of those spots will be filled by Love, but the other will likely go to rising sophomore Anthony Harris.

The Tar Heels got just five games out of Harris before he tore his ACL in late December, a blow that hurt almost as much as Anthony’s injury. Harris showed some promise before he got hurt as a role player and could easily step into starter’s minutes this season.

This lineup’s leader would be rising senior Brooks, who was the Tar Heels’ second-leading scorer a year ago. Brooks can be a stabilizing presence on a young team here, which could help North Carolina get closer to a return to the NCAA Tournament.