With basketball season quickly approaching, we continue our look at the roster, turning our attention to the senior class.
With the implementation of the recent NCAA five-in-five rule, there will be a new class of players starting next season (I am assuming the new fifth-year guys will be super seniors, but who knows). So, with that in mind, all three of these guys may have yet another season of eligibility if they so choose, whether it continues with UNC or not. Regardless, this group starts with Jarin Stevenson, who may be the most impactful returning player for the Heels this season. Due to issues in the post, Stevenson could be called upon to carry the weight until players get deemed eligible (more on that below) or other players get acclimated to college basketball. If he looks anything like he did in the exhibition against USC, the ACC should be on the lookout. Stevenson is also the most likely of these three to return next season.
Brown is next up as the Utah transfer was brought in to add scoring to the Tar Heel offense. His first two exhibition games were disjointed at best, but the rising senior broke out against Charlotte with 27 points while also hitting 7 of his 9 free throws. Brown's ability to get to the rim (and subsequently the line) should open up the floor for the rest of North Carolina's roster. If Brown has a good season, he will probably come back, as he doesn't currently project as much of an NBA pick, but if he falters, he is probably on his way elsewhere much like Kyan Evans from last season.
Young rounds out this list, returning for his second season at UNC. Young did not have the best season last year but returns along with Stevenson as a North Carolina kid (Young is from Goldsboro, NC) who loves the school and is happy to be here. Young's best quality is his three point shooting, and if he can provide scoring off the bench, he will probably find a way into Coach Malone's rotation. Much like Stevenson, if the staff wants Young back next year he will probably make it three years with the Tar Heels.
Brizzi enters this season as a fifth-year guy who is playing at his fifth school. The college journeyman has previously spent time at Villanova, Davidson, Longwood, and Buffalo. Brizzi was brought in to provide experience to a young backcourt, but probably should not be counted on for big minutes — if he is getting those, things have gone terribly wrong this season.
Fens is still currently ineligible as he continues to try to get a fifth year after being denied one due to the NCAA's foolish decision to exclude the 2022 class from the new five-in-five rule. Currently, Fens is a great scout body who would be a great addition to a Carolina front court that is clearly lacking in size and experience after averaging 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds last year for South Dakota.
Smith gets what used to be a greater honor as a player who earned his way on to the Tar Heel roster. This is Smith's fourth season, so he could be back next year, assuming he hasn't already pursued his future career in whatever that may be.
What do you think of this senior class? What should the fifth year players be called next year? Let us know in the comments below.
