Tony Bradley: Big Pickup for Tar Heels

Signing a four-star recruit is not usually cause for celebration in Chapel Hill, but Roy Williams and the UNC fan base certainly rejoiced when 6’10” power forward Tony Bradley committed on Wednesday night.

photo by Kelly Kline

After signing Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson, and Joel Berry in the 2014 class, UNC recruiting took a quick downward turn. The Tar Heels went after seven of the top 10 players in the class of 2015 and struck out with all of them while only getting a total of two official visits from Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown.

Things were not looking good for the 2016 class either. With over 20 scholarship offers out, there was a legitimate question regarding UNC’s ability to sign just one. Then came the Bradley announcement which lifted the mood of an entire fan base beaten down by the academic scandal, NCAA talk, and a six-year Final four drought. 

Right now, Tony Bradley is ranked No. 31 in his class, but that is in large part due to the emphasis that high school rankings place on athleticism and NBA potential. The big man from Barstow (FL) won’t wow anyone with his speed or leaping ability, but he did put together one of the more efficient performances over the course of the summer as any player in the country. During Peach Jam play Bradley averaged 14.2 points and 8 rebounds on 71.1% shooting from the field and during the Nike Global Challenge he dazzled onlookers with 19 points and 11.5 rebounds per game on a scintillating 78.6% from the field.

The North Carolina recruitment of Bradley began with the first July live period in 2014. Assistant coach Steve Robinson informed Tony Bradley Sr. that the UNC coaching staff was looking forward to watching Bradley’s summer performance and he didn’t disappoint. Bradley turned in one of the better performances at the Adidas Unrivaled camp in Chicago (IL) under the watchful eye of Roy Williams and earned an invitation to the Adidas underclassmen all-star game.

UNC’s recruiting picked up for Bradley as soon as his junior year started and Roy Williams offered a scholarship in early December. He then took his first and only official visit in early March when the Tar Heels lost to Duke in the last game of the regular season. After enjoying his visit to Chapel Hill, UNC was the presumed leader but with the NCAA academic situation unresolved an early commitment was not expected.

This past spring Bradley put a focus on improving his conditioning. As a result, his upper body slimmed out and his ability to run the floor improved. Over the next year Bradley will need to continue his focus on conditioning given the up-tempo style of play under Williams.

Ample playing time awaits Bradley in Chapel Hill. After this season Brice Johnson and Joel James will graduate leaving Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, and Luke Maye as the lone big men. Bradley and his 7’4” wing span should be able to adapt to the college game fairly quickly. He is a good rebounder in space and has a very solid low post game. He prefers a short right-handed hook as his go-to move, but also has a nice touch on a short jumper from 5-12 feet. 

Given the recruiting drought in Chapel Hill, the Tony Bradley commitment could not have come at a better time for the Tar Heels. Will this clear the black cloud hanging over the program? No, but it at least offers a ray of sunshine to a program going through a tumultuous time.  

Jayson Tatum Looks To Emulate Kobe

In a tightly contested affair, Jayson Tatum caught the ball at the top of the key. As he surveyed the landscape, the most skilled high school player in the class of 2016 had a variety of options. Jab step and drive right? Cross-over and go left? Or maybe a pull-up jump shot?

This time around the smooth and talented Tatum dribbled quickly to his right just above the free throw line. With his back towards the smaller defender he feigned once to his left, then back to the right, before finally spinning towards the middle of the court for an un-blockable fade-away jumper. The ball calmly swishes through the net as Tatum turns around to play defense. 

With the fade-away jumper and fancy footwork down pat, it wouldn’t be too hard to conjure up images of Kobe Bryant in your mind, especially the move he makes at the 20 second mark of this video. After the game, it comes as no surprise when Tatum mentions the one basketball player that he tries to emulate.

“Oh, Kobe. Kobe Bryant,” Tatum said. “That’s my favorite player. I watch him all the time. His highlights, how he trains, documentaries, YouTubes, everything. I just try to study all of the things he does.”

All of the studying has certainly paid off for the 6’8” point forward from St. Louis. Tatum was dominant in his first AAU tournament after his freshman year winning MVP honors in the 16U division and two years later he is even harder to guard. Last week while playing in the Lexington EYBL, Tatum averaged 19.8 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds. He also shot a remarkable 50% from the floor including one performance where he shot 11-17 from the field. 

Every time he steps on the court, Tatum is the focal point of the opposing team’s defensive plan but the un-selfish star always manages a way to create open looks for himself while keeping his teammates involved in the offensive flow of the game.

“Most people usually double me or put a pretty strong guy on me,” said Tatum. “I just need to use my mind to get around it.”

When the double teams come, Tatum uses his height and passing ability to find the open man and when he has a defender on him that is trying to muscle him up he can either shoot over or drive around the defender. While Tatum can score in a variety of ways, he does get critiqued on both his athleticism and strength when it comes to projecting him at the NBA level.

Jayson’s father, Justin Tatum, a former defensive standout at Saint Louis University noted that the two were working on Jayson’s explosiveness by doing plyometrics and other exercises designed to stimulate the fast twitch muscle-fibers.

“Yeah, I definitely feel more explosive,” noted Tatum upon completion of four games in three days. “I get a little more tired in the last day with all of these games but I just have to stay in shape and stay healthy. My game has grown. I’ve gotten taller, stronger, quicker, and a little bit more aggressive.”

Tatum’s increased explosiveness was certainly on display in his lone game on the last day of the tournament. With Kostas Antetokounmpo, the slithery 6’8” combo forward and also the younger brother of Milwaukee’s Greek Freak dribbling the ball at the top of the key Tatum deflected the ball after an attempted cross-over. As both players raced down towards the other end of the court, things did not end well for the little Greek Freak.

Prior to the first live period in early April, Tatum narrowed his list of college suitors down to four: Duke, Kentucky, Saint Louis, and UNC. Three head coaches in John Calipari, Jim Crews, and Roy Williams were all front and center for Tatum in Lexington, while assistants from all four schools tracked his every move over the three day live period. Tatum previously took an official visit to Duke in February and has been on the campuses of both Kentucky and Saint Louis. Needless to say that the UNC staff is trying hard to get him to visit Chapel Hill at some point as well.

“Yeah you know they want me to come visit,” said Tatum. “I wouldn’t mind either. Right now I’m just trying to figure things out.”

As Tatum continues to figure out his recruitment, he will also continue to befuddle defenders with his repertoire of Kobe like moves.

Jalek Felton - UNC

10 years ago Raymond Felton was leading the Tar Heel fast break for the 2005 National Champions. Almost 10 years later, another Felton is on his way to Chapel Hill. Five-star sophomore Jalek Felton and Raymond’s nephew, made public his decision to follow in the family foot-steps to Chapel Hill. Despite being three years away from setting foot on the Dean Dome floor, the Felton commitment provided a ray of light to the UNC fan base.

While Raymond was a pure point guard, his nephew Jalek is currently known as a combo guard although he possesses some of the best passing skills in the high school game. At 6’3”, Felton is currently ranked No. 6 in the sophomore class by Scout.com and was named to the MaxPreps All-Freshman Second Team last year after averaging 21.9 points per game for Mullins (S.C.) High. This year, Jalek has boosted his scoring numbers and recently scored 51 points in the famed Beach Ball Classic.

In the last week of the 2013 July recruiting period, UNC head coach Roy Williams veered away from his primary targets in the 2013 and 2014 classes to take in a few viewings of Felton, despite the fact that he had just finished the eighth grade.  Felton later attended the 2013 “Late Night With Roy” with friend and fellow UNC target Harry Giles. After countless visits to the Dean Dome this past summer to play and watch pick-up, Felton received the one scholarship he coveted in mid-November and committed just over a month later.

With the academic scandal hanging over the UNC program like a black cloud, there is no doubt that recruiting has taken a hit recently. The Tar Heels have struck out on the majority of their top targets in 2015 and only have three-star forward Luke Maye locked up. They are heavily involved with numerous five-star recruits in 2016, but for Tar Heel fans it is at least nice to know that they have locked up one of the most talented guards in the 2017 class.

Right now, Jalek is an athletic combo guard that can finish above the rim and also hit from well beyond the three point line. While he can score, Felton can also make plays for teammates. During October, Felton was invited to the USA Developmental Camp in Colorado Springs and impressed with his natural passing ability. With two and a half years left to develop there is no doubt that Jalek should be able to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and contribute from Day 1. He might even be able to get his jersey next to Raymond’s in the rafters.

Strengths:

·         -Size and athleticism

·         -Scoring ability, lots of backspin on his outside shot

·         -Ball-handling and passing ability

Improvement Areas:

·         -Killer instinct – Felton can sometimes play too passive and not take advantage of his scoring ability

·         -Outside shot – Good range and spin, but shoots a set-shot from three with a wind-up motion

·         -Turnovers – Can sometimes get too fancy with passes and needs to tighten up moves in the half-court set

2014-15 ACC Preview

ACC preview brought to you by Sean Moran and Stephen Kalayil:

Stephen Kalayil's Predictions; 

1. Louisville: In the toughest conference in college hoops, the Louisville Cardinals are my top team by the slimmest of margins. Replacing a player the caliber of Russ Smith is a tall order for most teams, but with budding sophomore star guard Terry Rozier and defensive ace, Chris Jones, the Cards backcourt might be better than last year. Obviously, the leader and preseason ACC POY Montrezl Harrell will be the key to this team. Harrell, known for his rim rocking jams and defensive intensity has added a mid range game to his arsenal. With that addition, I don’t see a big man in the country outside of Jahlil Okafor and Frank Kaminsky that could guard him one on one. Two big keys this season are the production of Wayne Blackshear in his senior season and the development of redshirt sophomore center Mangok Mathiang. If Blackshear and Mathiang pan out, the ACC better watch out. 

    

2. Duke:  Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones were just what Duke needed to become national title contenders. Okafor is projected as the #1 overall pick in the next NBA draft and Tyus Jones along with Quinn Cook will help from one of the best backcourts in the country.  Marshall Plumlee, Rasheed Sulaimon and Amile Jefferson along with Quinn Cook look to be the sage veterans that can mentor the freshman duo. Watch out for fellow freshman Justise Winslow and Grayson Allen to be solid contributors this year on a deep Duke squad.

3. UNC: Marcus Paige is easily the best scoring guard in the nation and will lead UNC to be a title contender. Paige averaged 18.7 PPG and had some of his best performances against high profile teams (Louisville, Kentucky, Duke, Syracuse).   The incoming class of Joel Berry, Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson will make an immediate impact and help ease the loss of James Michael McAdoo and the memories of the mercurial PJ Hairston.  The big keys to UNC’s season are the development of uber athletic forward Brice Johnson and the ultra skilled Kennedy Meeks. Both players had their moments last season, but need to be consistent for the Tar Heels to succeed. Also, if Isaiah Hicks can live up to his potential, UNC will have all the weapons to win it all.  

4. Virginia: The defending ACC champs will be returning the majority of their Sweet Sixteen team and will be able to make a run at the Final Four under Tony Bennett. I think UVA has the experience and great coaching to be considered with Louisville, Duke and UNC, but I do think the losses of Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell are going to hurt much more than most think. Look for Malcolm Brogdon, Justin Anderson and Mike Tobey to step up and lead UVA to a deep tourney run.  

5. Syracuse: The Orange are going to be tough this season with senior big man Rakeem Christmas and sharpshooting Trevor Cooney leading the way.  The big factors are if talented freshman Chris McCullough and Kaleb Joseph are able to step in and contribute immediately. One interesting player to keep an eye on is Indiana transfer Ron Patterson. Patterson has a versatile game and could be able to contribute immediately.      

POY: Montrezl Harrell (UofL)

Freshman of the Year: Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

ALL-ACC:

Montrezl Harrell (UofL) (F)

Marcus Paige (UNC) (G)

Jahlil Okafor (Duke) (C)

Olivier Hanlan (BC) (F)

Jerian Grant (Notre Dame) (G)

Surprise Freshman: Xavier Rathan-Mayes (FSU)

Surprise Player: Angel Rodriguez (Miami)

Most interesting thing you are looking to learn about the conference.  I’m interested to see the slugfest between Louisville, UNC, Duke and UVA. All of those teams have the tools to not just get to the Final Four, but to cut down the nets in March. Okafor vs. Harrell, Rozier vs. Paige, Paige vs. Tyus Jones are all individual matchups that I’m hyped to see.  Also, I’m curious to see who emerges from the middle of the pack of the ACC. Florida State, NC State, Pitt, Notre Dame and Miami are all excellent teams that can cause problems and make the NCAA tourney.  

Sean Moran's Top 5 Questions:

1. Will the ACC as a whole be any good?

Yes, yes, I know the ACC is now the “top” conference in college hoops with prestigious programs such as Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Louisville in the mix. Add in a Top 10 UVA squad and have some serious competition. I am talking about the other part of the ACC. The part that was pretty much god awful last year outside of four to six programs. Last year Miami, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, BC, and Virginia Tech were all pushovers. Three of those schools got new coaches and Miami and Notre Dame welcome back returning players (Jerian Grant) or talented transfers. For the ACC to truly be the top conference in the country the pushovers will need to step their game up.

2. Will Virginia lose a home game in conference play?

The Cavaliers have gone two straight years without a loss in conference play while playing in John Paul Jones Arena. That’s 17 straight games which covers last year’s ACC championship winning season and the 2012-13 NIT season. The Cavs last lost in late February and early March of 2012 when they fell to UNC 51-54 and then Florida State 60-63. The first big test will come on Saturday, January 31 with a home game against Duke. The Cavs then head to Chapel Hill before returning home to play Louisville. 

3. How will Louisville cope in the post Russ Smith era?

The last three years were good to Cards fans. A final four, a championship, and a sweet 16 performance with Russ Smith leading the way. Last year he averaged 18.2 points per game and took a team high 481 shots (100+ more than the next closest starter). Sure, the Cardinals have a lot of returning pieces to work with including Montrezl Harrell and projected first round pick in Terry Rozier, but the loss of a three year beast cannot be understated. Add in a move to the ACC and how will the Cards fare in their first year without Russ.

4. Which player will surprise?

Last year Malcolm Brogdon was the conference surprise. He was UVA’s most consistent scorer and finished on the second team all-conference list. Who could surprise this year? Let’s stay with the Cavs for a minute. I think Anthony Gill has a legit shot at making first team all-ACC. The athletic power forward really came on at the end of the year scoring in double figures for six straight games before a sweet 16 loss to Michigan State. If he didn’t get hurt in that game, the Cavs might have won. With more playing time, the former Top 100 recruit will certainly surprise some people. Other possibilities include Isaiah Hicks of UNC and Michael Young of Pittsburgh.

5. Can N.C. State replace the POY?

Last year N.C. State went 9-9 in conference play and snuck into the NCAA tourney. TJ Warren led the way as he pretty much carried the Wolfpack with 24.9 points per game on 52.5% shooting. This year some of the younger players will need to step up. Cat Barber has the keys to the car with the transfer of Tyler Lewis and Trevor Lacey is a key transfer. Can Kyle Washington, Beejay Anya, and Abdul-Malik Abu handle things down low?

Surprise predictions:

Anthony Gill makes first team All-ACC and Justin Jackson gives Okafor a run for his money in freshman of the year voting.