News

Without Cole Anthony, North Carolina Tarheels May Miss NCAA Tournament For 1st Time In 20 Years

Without their star player Cole Anthony, the North Carolina Tar Heels were  in a downward spiral. Now, they are in danger of not making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years.

They have lost five of their last six, and now with Anthony out after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Cole, the son of former NBA player Greg Anthony stated that if all goes well, he is set to return in one month, missing about seven games. When asked if there were any encouraging signs as to how his team played without Anthony, Legendary Head Coach Roy Williams replied ‘no.’

“I’d love to have Cole with us because he was playing better than anybody else on the offensive end, and second or third-best grade wise on the defensive end, but it is an excuse,” Williams said. “I’m glad that I’m able to get Anthony (Harris) and Jeremiah (Francis) some time, because I think in the long term, that may help, but I just don’t know that I will live that long.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

UNC’s ranking has not been favorable this year (95th), and neither has their schedule. They played top 15 teams five out of the past six teams. The good news is they have an easier schedule ahead. UCLA has a sightly better record, (7-4 to 6-5) but they are not as strong, Yale (9-3) plays in the weaker Ivy conference, Georgia Tech (4-5), Pittsburgh (8-3), and Clemson (5-5).

By the time their schedule gets tough again, Anthony is set to return. In his absence, Williams has been trying to develop his young core of players, but apparently it has not been working.

“I have some guys who have lost some confidence with their shot,” Williams said. “Some other guys have got to do better on the defensive end. But our whole team and the coaching staff, we’ve got to do a heck of a lot better.”

Among those who they are developing, freshman Armando Bacot, has struggled recently shooting 2 for 14 and 1 for 6 the last few games.

The Tar Heels play the Bruins on Saturday at 3:00pm EST.

RJ De La Espriella

Born in Panama City, Panama. Fell in love with sports while watching American TV and playing baseball at the local park. Dreamed of coming to Chicago to watch the White Sox play. Moved to Chicago, watched them play. Played basketball as well. Love football. Currently studying Creative Writing at Columbia University.

Share
Published by
RJ De La Espriella

Recent Posts

As The Chiefs Retool, Patrick Mahomes & Chris Jones Restructure Contracts To Open Up Cap Space

The Kansas City Chiefs may have lost this past Super Bowl, but if history's taught…

16 hours ago

Gardner Minshew Joins Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes’ New Backup

Gardner Minshew is heading to Kansas City, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Chiefs.…

17 hours ago

VIDEO: Argentine Prosecutor Shows Photo of Soccer Legend Maradona’s Body As Negligence Trial Opens: ‘A Theater Of Horror’

https://youtu.be/TYE3poRLl0c The trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of Diego…

1 day ago

Vikings Go In On Trenches, Sign DT Jonathan Allen To Three-Year, $60 Million Deal

The Washington Commanders announced in February that they were allowing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle…

1 day ago

Fullback Kyle Juszczyk Is The Latest Casualty Of A 49ers Roster Purge – But Will It Pay Off?

The San Francisco 49ers made the Super Bowl last year, losing a heartbreaker in overtime.…

3 days ago

Jevon Holland Signs Three-Year, $45.3M Deal with Giants

The New York Giants reached an agreement with Jevon Holland, landing him on a three-year,…

3 days ago