Chansky's Notebook: Comings and Goings

(Todd Melet)

Carolina and Duke recruiting had an interesting juxtaposition.

Perhaps surprisingly, Roy Williams kept adding to his haul for next season when sleeper stretch forward Justin Pierce became the sixth player to join the Tar Heels’ 2019-20 roster. The grad transfer from William & Mary looked headed to Notre Dame or Michigan, where there appeared to be more playing time on the table. But considering that former Tribe coach Tony Shaver and current assistant Jonathan Holmes both played for and graduated from UNC, well, you get the picture.

And the old fashion Dean Smith method of recruiting was still at Ol’ Roy’s core even after losing four starters and his top five scorers. He has a great combination of young talent, experienced players and new veterans. Should be fun watching him put it all together.

Conversely, the Duke one-and-done way has never validated the hype, and now we see its flashpoint when one of the five-stars is apparently worried about his playing time or his shots and touches. Boogie Ellis asked to be released from his letter of intent, and Coach K has granted it. Ellis could be headed for Memphis, where Precious Achiuwa now appears to be a lock with so many wing forwards at Carolina.

The 6 foot 7 inch Pierce could be the perfect fit on and off the court. He will enter MBA school unworried about his minutes, but may get plenty if he can replace Cameron Johnson’s shooting touch from three-point range. His William & Mary coaches said his accuracy from downtown improved the most throughout his three seasons in Williamsburg.

Understated is defense, since all of the additions look like the kind of athletes who can really get after it on that end. Cole Anthony, Jeremiah Francis and Anthony Harris can, according to scouting reports, and Roy would never have signed grad transfers Pierce or Christian Keeling if he did not like what he saw on defense in person and on tape.

Then there are rangy Brandon Robinson and Leaky Black and the hard-working Andrew Platek, plus returning starter Garrison Brooks — who won the best defensive award more than anyone on the team last season. Armando Bacot, Sterling Manley and big Brandon Huffman have to show their defensive, rebounding and shot-blocking abilities before they get significant time. But I really like how Roy came up with so many options after losing so much scoring and rebounding, don’t you?

Way better than sinking or swimming with one-and-dones.