Harrison Barnes and John Henson

When North Carolina received a commitment from #1 High Schooler Harrison Barnes I began to envision what the Tar Heels might look like next year.  I know it's early and there's a whole season left to be played but in the world of basketball prospects it's never too early to look ahead.

The 2010/11 Tar Heel Roster could be one of the best in the history of college basketball if the underclassmen stay in school but more than likely at least one will turn pro.  Sophomore forward Ed Davis projects as a lottery pick this year and will likely be playing in the NBA next Fall.  But even if he goes pro and the talk of greatest college roster ever never gets off the ground UNC will still be loaded.  

Assuming Freshmen forward John Henson returns for a second run, he will team with Harrison Barnes on a team that could feature the #1 and #2 selections in the 2011 draft.  They would be the most dynamic duo in the land next year and as team first type players they would make the Tar Heels very tough to beat.  And that's what make's this story just a little more interesting.  

So often these future NBA stars have huge attitude problems and play selfish ball.  They are often immature and misguided by all the praise that gets heaped upon them.  But both Barnes and Henson are humble, down to earth, focused, team first players who elevate others to their level instead of hogging the spotlight.  These two players on the same NBA team would be a dream come true.  These two players on the same college team might just prove to be unstoppable.  

There's a long and hopefully exciting season still to play but I'm already getting excited about next year.

Daniel Orton, The Next Coming

It's not often that a player scores just one point, fouls out in 9 minutes of play and yet leaves NBA scouts drooling at his potential for greatness. But amid the hype and hoopla of the Kentucky vs. UConn matchup and beneath all the headlines about the greatness of John Wall and the tenacity of Kemba Walker another NBA prospect was quietly on display. And yeah, he scored only one point and often looked a little behind the speed of the game but Kentucky Freshmen Daniel Orton remains a physical specimen unmatched in college ball and scouts have noticed.

At 6 feet 10 inches tall Orton is a broad shouldered, thick and strong power forward with very good quickness and leaping ability. He has the potential to overpower opponents on the block and is a force on the defensive end. But the thing that separates Orton from some of the other young big men (including teammate DeMarcus Cousins) is his dedication to improving every aspect of his game. He has a quiet demeanor and a focus on playing the game right. He has the work ethic to take his great natural ability to the next level and become a dominant big man in college and in the NBA.

For this year he has the luxury of hiding in the shadows of the other big name players on the UK team but as the season progresses expect the name Daniel Orton to begin falling from the lips of the commentators, scouts and basketball gurus. And by June 2011 expect the name Daniel Orton to be called very early on draft day.