North Carolina came into the season with a number of freshmen who could see plenty of playing time. That happens, though, when there’s such a large turnover. Before this season began, Garrison Brooks, Sterling Manley, and Jalek Felton were all expected to see good minutes. Felton was in line to back up Joel Berry II, but that hit an unfortunate snag before it really got off of the ground. Brooks was all but anointed as the de facto starter at the center position with the loss of Kennedy Meeks. Manley, although athletic, was seen as a question mark and had a ways to go to catch up with Brooks.
UNC Basketball Season Awards: Freshman of the Year - Garrison Brooks
