Tar Heels place 3 on “Top 100 and 1” List

Which UNC basketball players made CBS Sports’ “Top 100 and 1” list heading into the 2020-2021 college basketball season?

Prior to the start of the 2020-2021 college basketball season, CBS Sports has released their annual “Top 100 and 1” players list.

This list was conducted by a panel of CBS Sports writers. The list does not take into consideration a player’s age, prior experience or even their potential NBA Draft stock. Simply put, the list is designed to rank the best college basketball players in the country heading into the new season.

On this year’s list, the UNC basketball program is represented by three players. Here’s where CBS Sports ranks the Tar Heels on their list, and what they had to say regarding each individual player:

No. 11- Garrison Brooks

“Roy Williams fielded his worst UNC team to date last season with Brooks acting as one of the team’s steadying hands. Now he’ll field a rebuilt team led by Brooks who we anticipate to have a huge senior season. The top returning scorer and rebounder for the Tar Heels headlines a team that could realistically go from worst to first in the ACC.” – Kyle Boone

No. 94- Caleb Love

“The competition to crack the final 15 spots on our list was wild, but Love’s upside as a freshman point guard is too tempting not to slide him onto the list. He’ll be vital to giving Carolina a shot at top-four status in the ACC.”  -Matt Norlander

No. 96- Armando Bacot

“The Tar Heels are rightfully excited about their freshmen class, but Bacot’s freshman-to-sophomore progression could be a huge reason why this team returns to national prominence.” – David Cobb

Given his outstanding junior season, it should be no surprise that Brooks is ranked where he is on the list. Heading into his senior season in Chapel Hill, Brooks was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, and should be in contention earn All-American honors.

After Brooks, there’s a huge drop-off on the list between Tar Heels. If the list focused on the player’s importance to their team heading into the season, Love would most certainly be higher on the list. However, considering it’s ranking the top players in the sport, Love will just have to prove that he belongs higher on the list.

Out of the three Tar Heels on the list, Bacot may be the biggest surprise. After an up-and-down freshman season, Bacot will look to learn from his experience and have a better and more consistent sophomore campaign.

The Tar Heels will open up their season on November 25, as they will host the College of Charleston.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC basketball program.