A major reason behind the North Carolina Tar Heels’ basketball success last year was their experienced roster.
UNC carried fifth-year senior and all-time program great Armando Bacot, ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis, plus a pair of experienced transfers in Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan.
This year, a handful of youth talent will carry North Carolina to success. That talent is headlined by Drake Powell and Ian Jackson, a pair of 5-star freshman who also doubled up as McDonalds All-Americans.
Not only are Powell and Ian Jackson two of the most talented freshmen in the ACC, but also the entire country.
Just ask college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, who named Powell and Jackson amongst his 25 impact freshmen for the upcoming college basketball season.
First, see what Rothstein said about Powell:
“Elite athlete? Check,” Rothstein said. “Elite motor? Check. Strong physical attributes? Powell has that too. 6-7 and explosive, Powell’s tenacity should complement the Tar Heels in the open floor and on defense. This is a an intriguing piece to monitor in North Carolina’s rotation.”
Second, see Rothstein’s analysis on Jackson:
“A ridiculous offensive talent, Jackson can score from all angles on the court all while giving everything he has on defense,” Rothstein said. “He’ll form an elite perimeter troika for the Tar Heels along with freshman point guard Elliot Cadeau and National Player of the Year candidate RJ Davis.”
North Carolina will be young this year, but has the potential to make another deep run. How far can the Powell-Jackson duo carry the Tar Heels?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : UNC basketball duo ranked amongst college basketball’s Top 25 impact freshmen
