|
Off the cuff: If Nassir Little wants to go pro after one year - or at least wants to be picked high up in the NBA draft - now is the time for him to turn it up. He did that against Florida State Saturday as he scored 18 points, some in dramatic fashion, and came down with a season-high eight rebounds. Little said that Coach Roy Williams told him the team needed him to be a big player for the Heels with the season dwindling down. Little has not been consistent and he's been banged up a bit lately. Coach Williams said he suffered a sprain against Virginia and a bruised sternum at Wake Forest. He hasn't been the typical one and done - if that's what he will be. He has shown that he's not ready for the NBA and could use another year or two in college. But the NBA drafts on potential and he'd still get a big payday later this year if that's what he wants. If he leads the Tar Heels to a national title, maybe Carolina fans will forgive him for going pro but not so if he goes after a so-so season. It used to be that players who struggle with school are the ones most likely to turn pro. Little made all As in high school so it will be interesting to see what he does. It will certainly hurt a little less if he continues to play like he did Saturday. To his credit, Little deflects attention to himself and comes across as a team player. He says he just wants to be ready to contribute and all the other things you'd want him to say. Little, talking about the team rather than himself, said that the loss at home to Louisville was "an eye-opener for us." He said since that game, the Heels have been locked in at practice and brought energy and effort in the games. Carolina is 10-1, with the only loss to Virginia, since losing by 21 to Louisville.
|
|
