UNC Basketball: Is Tony Bradley one of the best freshman in the country?
Does UNC commit Tony Bradley Jr. have what it takes to be a star for the Tar Heels?
University of North Carolina freshman Tony Bradley enters the season as one of the most underrated freshman in the 2016 class.
He ended up being a top 30 recruit in the class of 2016 according to Scout.com and was ranked No. 17 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2016.
As a senior in high school, Bradley played in the 2016 McDonald’s All-American game. Bradley finished the game with 11 points, three rebounds, one block and one steal.
Surely enough, if Bradley was not one of the best freshmen in the country, then he would not have been invited to play in the 2016 McDonald’s All-American game. Before you evaluate North Carolina’s other freshmen solely on this basis, some of the best basketball players do not play in the McDonald’s All-American game for various reasons.
As a freshman, Bradley will be North Carolina’s first big man off the bench.
He will battle Brandon Robinson, Seventh Woods and Nate Britt for the coveted title as the ‘sixth man.’ The ‘sixth man’ refers to the first person off the bench. Usually, this player has a lot of minutes and is a step below a starter. Bradley is capable of starting for the Tar Heels.
Due to North Carolina’s veteran players in the starting lineup, Bradley will not start.
Bradley could have started for other schools, however. This makes his decision to be a Tar Heel even more exciting.
Bradley knew that he would not start for the Tar Heels, but he still decided to be a part of their program. This example illustrates how humble Bradley.
He accepts having a lesser role for the Tar Heels now. In the near future, Bradley will become a primary piece for the Tar Heels.
Bradley will be one of the best freshmen in the country. He has the skill to support this statement. Bradley faced UConn commit Juwan Durham in high school, who was a top 30 recruit for the 2016 class.
In the video, you will see how Bradley did not back down from Durham. Despite having one of his shots blocked by Durham, Bradley continued to power his way towards the goal.
In addition, you will see Bradley rebounding in traffic. Do not underestimate how physical Bradley can be. The “Tim Duncan” comparisons do not mean that he is solely a finesse player. Duncan did not play that way his entire career, either.
In the following videos, Tony Bradley’s high school faced Jayson Tatum’s high school. Tatum ranks number three overall in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2016. Tatum will play for the Duke Blue Devils this season.
When Bradley and Tatum faced each other, both players were their best players on their respective teams. Although they play different positions, you can see how electric the atmosphere was at the site of this game.
Chaminade team defeated Barstow, 64-54. Tatum lead Chaminade with 36 points (went 10-11 from the free throw line). Bradley led Barstow with a double-double, 33 points and 13 rebounds.
Bradley’s skill set will be a nice addition for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He brings a different dimension in the low post for UNC head coach Roy Williams. The ability to have sound fundamentals complements the playing styles of Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks.
Bradley has the potential to be one of the best freshmen in the country and eventually one of the best players in college basketball over time.
Let’s hope that he stays in Chapel Hill for several years because once Bradley becomes a household name, he will become a basketball star.
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