ACC Basketball, 2010-2011

The 2009-10 season couldn't have ended any sooner for yours truly. UNC had a rough year, period.

Let's look at next year's squad and see if UNC can make major strides in returning to an NCAA championship-caliber team.

Center: This year Tyler Zeller will have to step up to the plate. He's been injured the last two years, but has shown much promise. We will probably see the Wear Twins backing him up. Grade: B.

Power Forward: John Henson is a solid player, and he was miscast in the 3 position for much of last year. The Wear twins will also back Henson at this position. Grade: B

Small Forward: Will Graves is the returning starter, but Harrison Barnes has more potential. Graves is a solid rebounder and a streaky shooter. Grave's downside is on Defense. I expect Barnes to replace Graves at this position at some time during next year. Grade: B+

Shooting Guard: Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald are returning, but neither are great college players. Reggie Bullock is a solid recruit and will have ample opportunities to shine. I expect that Strickland will start, then Graves will replace him once Barnes becomes the Small Forward starter. Grade: B-

Point Guard: Larry Drew II is the incumbent, but he will have to fight to retain this position. Kendall Marshall will be a good point guard in the future. Dexter Strickland will also lend a hand. Grade: B-

Bench: We will have a deep team that has experience within the UNC system. At the beginning of the year, we will have David Wear, Travis Wear, Harrison Barnes, Leslie McDonald, Reggie Bullock and Kendall Marshall on this bench. Grade: B+

Coach: Roy Williams is still a great coach. He was distracted last year with injuries, team chemistry, and his own shoulder injury. He's still one of the Top 10 coaches in America. Grade: A.

I don't expect the Heels to win the ACC regular season next year. However, I don't expect them to finish in the bottom half of the conference, either.