Which do you want first? News or No News.
Ok. No news.
All Quiet
The no news is that nothing has been officially announced pertaining to Harrison Barnes future at UNC or Ryan Houston's surgery.First, Harrison Barnes. The word is that Barnes has told multiple people around campus and the basketball program that he will return for his sophomore year. However, Roy Williams is not included in that company and it is still a relatively fluid situation. Don't freak out. The expectation is for Barnes to return and that is the direction he is leaning. Even the NBA scouts expect for him to return, so breath easy. Nothing is guaranteed, but I am sleeping easy at night if that makes you feel better. Besides, does this look like a guy anxious to leave college and looking to protect his investment?
OR
Man, I miss college!!!
Barnes Update: Word is that Barnes met with Roy earlier this afternoon (Friday, May 15) for a little more than an hour. Last night at the banquette, the generally feeling had not changed and Barnes was believed to be returning. As of today, it is believed that Barnes is now leaning toward entering the NBA draft. Nothing will be official until it is announced by UNC or Barnes himself, but you may need to prepare yourself to support the Back Falcon in the Association. This is a fluid situation and the best thing to do is wait for an official announcement. Don't drive yourself crazy with every morsel of information that makes its way in to the public domain. The deadline is approaching and we will know soon enough. Barnes has a tough decision and it is a decision that I wish I had to make at some point in my life. Either (a) enter the NBA draft as an almost guaranteed top five pick with guaranteed money, or (b) stay in college and be the marquee player for the best college basketball team in the country knowing the millions will be there in twelve months. Could be worse for Barnes . . . . Haha!
He'll have surgery tomorrow for a fractured scapula, but Davis said UNC's medical staff is confident they "can fix it," and "he'll be back and ready to go for the season."Generally, I don't find a lot of useful information on ESPN, especially from Heather Dinich. If you read the ACC blog on ESPN you have to wonder how she got her job? Better yet, how does she keep it? This, however, I found informative and made me feel better about the situation. Houston is going to be really important to the success of our season. Beyond running the ball, he is the only back with significant experience in protection. That is important when you have a new quarterback. Needless to say, I am anxious for news regarding Rhyno's surgery and timetable for return.
All things considered, it is good news. Houston is out for approximately four months, which will have him back in mid-August. Hopefully, he will be available for the opener against JMU, but should definitely be back for the ACC opener.
Now onto the News
Welcome to the UNC Family, Desmond Hubert!!!
Finally! Not that I was getting worried . . . . Desmond Hubert has committed to be a Tar Heel!
Would like to congratulate and welcome Desmond Hubert to the #UNC fam! .. He's going to be a good one..!!
Desmond Hubert on his North Carolina commitment: "Its a great feeling. I'm really grateful for this opportunity."
Hubert is a 6'9" and 195 lb center out of New Jersey. Scout has him ranked as a 3*, number 13 center in the 2011 class. (Personally, I prefer Scout rankings for basketball and rivals for football. This may change as there has been some shake up in staff between the two respective sites, but I digress.)
This is a big commitment for us, but not because he is going to be an immediate impact player. In fact, he may redshirt next season. He is offensively raw and needs to add weight, but I don't doubt that he will improve in every area that is required of him. If you didn't take the time to read the Read of the Day on Tuesday, take the time now:
I am really excited that Hubert is a Tar Heel. This is what Scout has to say about Hubert:
One of the top defensive players in the country. Hubert has superior national shot blocking instincts. He's long, uses his length to impact games. Will need to develop more of an offensive presence. High character kid who is a standout in the classroom.
Now, if you combine what you read in the Drive by promise article with the Scout blurb, you should start to see why I am so excited. There are things you can't teach that Hubert has: size, natural shot blocking ability, athleticism, and mental toughness. Hubert has overcome a lot to get to this point and have this opportunity.
Do you think he is going to take it for granted?
I don't. I think he will approach it with the blue-collar work ethic that his uncle has instilled in him and not take anything for granted. Initially, he is going to be a great practice player, pushing Henson and Zeller to get better going against a long, natural shot blocker. But, the kid is smart and coachable. By the time Hubert leaves the Hill, I predict he will not only be a fan favorite, but will be a major contributor to a championship caliber team. Hubert is a four or five year guy that will provide some consistency and size in the post. As "blue chippers" come in, Hubert will set the tone in practice, the classroom, and beyond. Remember earlier this year when our young Heels were talking about the intensity level? Hubert will eventually become stalwart; the old guy that has been there and understands what it takes in terms of effort and focus.
Did I mention how he protects the rim!?!? Check out the tape:
Welcome to the Hill, Mr. Hubert! "Damn glad to meet you!" (animal house quote - couldn't find the video)
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