University of North Carolina Athletics
October 21, 2015 | Men's Basketball
NOTE: This article originally appeared in the October 20 issue of CAROLINA.
by Alex Zietlow
Harrison Barnes
Barnes is currently day-to-day after leaving in the second quarter with a right knee sprain in the Golden State Warriors' loss to the Denver Nuggets last week. The small forward started every regular season game for Golden State last season, averaging 10.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Barnes played a critical role in the team's championship run last season, as he had extensive defensive responsibilities in containing LeBron James in the NBA Finals.
Tyler Hansbrough
Hansbrough continues his NBA career in Charlotte after spending four NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers and the past two with the Toronto Raptors. The former national player of the year and national champion averaged a career low of 3.6 points and 3.6 rebounds last season. In college, Hansbrough's relentlessness and ability to finish through contact was what made him so difficult to contain. With the style of play being much different in the NBA, Hansbrough looks to groove his mid-range jump-shot and improve his interior passing.
Danny Green
Green seeks to continue his role as a three-point assassin for the San Antonio Spurs this upcoming season. With the team's recent addition of LaMarcus Aldridge, however, the team's offensive concept shifts from a more drive-and-kick, up-tempo attack to a more post-up/inside-out brand. In other words, Green, who set a Spurs record for most three-pointers in a season last year, will have to find a new way to get the same amount of shots and be as productive as he was in the 2014-15 season. The UNC alumnus is averaging 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in the preseason.
Tyler Zeller
Zeller is opening eyes with his preseason play prior to his fourth season in the NBA and second year with the Celtics, averaging 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. After being traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013, Zeller played as a reserve to former Ohio State big man Jared Sullinger. The seven-footer looks to fulfill a more significant role in the team's success this year.
