Looking ahead to 26-27

[3397char]

Jriv I think Kate the #2 recruit in the nation is going to start from day one. Her not starting would be bad for recruiting.

Emily Skinner is redshirting this year. Is she hurt idk.

#6 ranked recruit Skinner for dook came in injured, missed i think the first 3 or 4 games, then gave a go of it for 3 games, then left injured again and eventually out for the season.

So not a good comparison to Harpring who is currently healthy.

Some comparisons

2025-26

1. #1 PG Chavez at Oklahoma was the top overall player. She has started every game and leads the team in scoring and assists.
2. #3 PG Hailee at Stanford was the #8 overall player. She has started every game but is more of a role player this season on an average team.

2024-25

1. #1 PG Jaloni Cambridge at Ohio State #2 overall player. Started every game, 2nd leading scorer top in assists
2. #2 PG Swords at Michigan #4 overall player. Started every game 2nd in points and assists, more of a combo guard playing off ball when the shorter Holloway was in.
3. #3 PG Mikala Blakes at Vandy #8 overall player, Also a combo guard but played mostly PG last season due to team needs, plays off guard this year. Led the team in scoring (23.3) and assists.

Top pure PG in 2023-24 was Hannah Hidalgo, #4 overall player she good too A-A. Above her was Mikala Williams a combo guard at LSU, She started every game

If a healthy Harpring did not start from day one she would be a bit of an anomaly. Certainly not unheard of by any means, most players at her level start unless they are behind an existing star player.

 

[tarboy]

Kate from what I have seen will be a perfect fit at PG for UNC next year.

She can drive the ball into the lane area and score or dish it off to Lanie, Laila, Nyla B, Elina, Reniya, Taliyah and Ciera. Unreal talent.

If the defense backs off Kate will make a bunch of 3's

Kate the #2 player in the country and the #1PG will start from day 1. She is that good.

Next season we should/will be one of the top 10 teams in the country.

BTW, the record set last night for 16 made 3's in a game will not stand for long with this group of
shooters. JMO.

 

[6string]

One position I would like to see addressed in the portal is a similar replacement for Harris. Someone who can get close to the basket and not just be pushed out but actually use their size to pin the defender. I have high hopes for Bofia but think she may be a different style and will be a Freshman. Q may be able to fill that spot some due to her strength but I still would like to add that type player. Since the portal is near, what type of players do you think we should add?

 

[tarboy]

6string I have high hopes for Toomey, Bofia, Taissa and hopefully Blanca Thomas.

I fully agree another Nyla Harris would be great if we do not have someone on the roster
that can do the job.

I think we are all overlooking how good Liza Astakhova might be by next season. Liza is 6'2 with a
strong body and very athletic. She is going to make her mark at some point.

Whoever it is we need a real good rebounder. Maybe we have some on roster like Ciera with expanded
minute or Blanca in top form or Noelle Bofia who impressed me with her size, long arms and quick feet
Queroz can really rebound and Astakhova seems to show signs of being very strong and competitive under the basket.

I would guess at this point only Coach CB and Liz Roberts know if we will make any roster moves.

Some depends on RK.s health going forward.

 

[tarboy]

I by mistake left off Taliyah Henderson who I think is the front runner to start at the 4. She is tall strong athletic and brings unbelievable energy to the court. The sky is the limit for TH.

In addition Nyla Brooks has shown a great knack for rebounding the ball in addition to scoring in
bunches.

Our team next season has the potential to be the best of the CB era.

 

[6string]

6string I have high hopes for Toomey, Bofia, Taissa and hopefully Blanca Thomas.

I fully agree another Nyla Harris would be great if we do not have someone on the roster
that can do the job.

I think we are all overlooking how good Liza Astakhova might be by next season. Liza is 6'2 with a
strong body and very athletic. She is going to make her mark at some point.

Whoever it is we need a real good rebounder. Maybe we have some on roster like Ciera with expanded
minute or Blanca in top form or Noelle Bofia who impressed me with her size, long arms and quick feet
Queroz can really rebound and Astakhova seems to show signs of being very strong and competitive under the basket.

I would guess at this point only Coach CB and Liz Roberts know if we will make any roster moves.

Some depends on RK.s health going forward.

Yeah I agree that Blanca may be the one to fill the role I was talking about. I have been disappointed that she has not been able to play much this year and still think she should have taken a medical redshirt.

 

[TarHeel391]

I by mistake left off Taliyah Henderson who I think is the front runner to start at the 4. She is tall strong athletic and brings unbelievable energy to the court. The sky is the limit for TH.

In addition Nyla Brooks has shown a great knack for rebounding the ball in addition to scoring in
bunches.

Our team next season has the potential to be the best of the CB era.

Thats why I like a 5 of KH - LG - NB - TH - CT

 

[tarboy]

TarHeel391 that is my favorite starting 5 next year also. Coach CB has lots of good options.

With that 5 I see 5 potential all conference and 5 potential All Americans before they graduate.

I also see a potential NC for the returning group next year.

I think the pieces are in place.

Work hard, stay healthy and keep stacking wins.

 

[DSPHeel]

Kate from what I have seen will be a perfect fit at PG for UNC next year.

She can drive the ball into the lane area and score or dish it off to Lanie, Laila, Nyla B, Elina, Reniya, Taliyah and Ciera. Unreal talent.

If the defense backs off Kate will make a bunch of 3's

Kate the #2 player in the country and the #1PG will start from day 1. She is that good.

Next season we should/will be one of the top 10 teams in the country.

BTW, the record set last night for 16 made 3's in a game will not stand for long with this group of
shooters. JMO.

Need to upgrade the athleticism on the wing. KH, Lanie, Elina and RK aren’t stopping anyone on the perimeter. The athleticism of Nivar will be sorely missed on defense. That worries me!

 

[tarboy]

Lanie is a very good defensive player.

Kate has not played a college game yet. I think she will have to get a pass.

Reniya if she can ever get 100% well is a tough defender..

Taliyah is going to be an excellent defender in the Nivar mold and at 6'1 3 inches taller.

Plus Nyla Brooks 6'1 is developing as a good defender.

Plus they all can really play offense.

I will take my chances with all these young players who will develop.

 

[Jriv23]

I think DSPHeel is talking about being able to defend quicker guards in the ACC. LG's and EA's footspeed is not good enough to defend the quicker guards in the ACC. We saw that last night against KJ. Luckily, we had IN to defend her, otherwise we would have been in trouble. That is what DSPHeel is talking about. Not only KJ but the guards from NC State, HH, Louisville guards, etc. The only one that I can saw that has the quickness and athleticism is TH and a healthy RK.

 

[tarboy]

Hello Jriv. Probably so on quick guards but I think Taliyah will inherit that job starting next year.

I know you and I both hope RKelly will come back next year 110%.

 

[Jriv23]

If Kate's defense matches her offensive skill set, than I will definitely say she is going to start from Day 1 and somebody's who is an upper classman that started this year will be coming after the bench. I forget that DK started 23 out of 24 games her freshman year.

 

[tmatheny]

Do we think we retain everyone that's currently on the team?

 

[6string]

Do we think we retain everyone that's currently on the team?

You know that’s really hard to say. Sometimes players who seem happy and getting along great with teammates can have other things going on in the background like parents, coaches, agents etc getting involved but to my eye this seems like a tight nit group.

 

[Viking131]

Aarnisaloooo!

 

[Viking131]

3 down 1 to go. 5 point lead headed into the Final stanza!!

 

[tarboy]

I think Elina is better than Reniya at this point.

I also think EA might be our best player along with Harris.

Elina said in the UVA presser that they would have something for the dookies
and darn if she didn't

 

[Viking131]

I think Elina is better than Reniya at this point.

I also think EA might be our best player along with Harris.

Elina said in the UVA presser that they would have something for the dookies
and darn if she didn't

A healthy Reniya, is better than Elina, hands down. There's a reason why she started over her. That being said, I'm glad Elina is #heeled. I respectfully disagree.

 

[HeelYeah2012]

Harpring will start from day 1 and will very likely be the best player on the team her freshman season. There is no universe in which she comes off the bench. Her and Kelly should start alongside each other next year.

 

[Jriv23]

HeelYeah2012, Harpring will not be the best player on the team when she comes in next year. She is a freshmen and she will have to adjust to the physicality and speed of the college game. Also, the competition level that she is playing against in her high school is not top notch. Someone has already stated their her high school conference is okay but not all that strong. Now, if her high school was to do what Lebron James high school team did when they played against the top teams ranked in the nation and they were beating them then I would agree with you. The way you are sounding, she just going to take the reigns the first game and that is not going to happen. I think the freshmen this year will make a huge jump next year since they will have one year under their belts. I true test is going to come when Kate plays in the McDonald AA game, the Jordan Brand game when she will have to guard the elite guards in her class. If she able to defend them then I will agree with you. As I stated before, it you go back and watch Kate when she played against those top guards in AAU ball, she was scoring against them and they were scoring against her. EA is coming. If RK does not come back at 100% then EA might be starting at the PG next season. As I also stated this will be a good problem to have. LG is playing at a high level. So if Kate were to start from Day 1, she would have to beat out LG, RK, and EA for the starting spot. I will say we will see.

 

[Jriv23]

BT has got to work on her game in the off season. Looking back, I think BT would have been a head of the curve, if she would have transferred out and played against top notch 4s and 5s during her senior year, or if she would have came to UNC in January of her senior year. The competition level that she played against in high school was not all that great. I think Noelle is going to be a head of the curve by coming in January. She should be a whole lot stronger, quicker, etc.

 

[HeelYeah2012]

HeelYeah2012, Harpring will not be the best player on the team when she comes in next year. She is a freshmen and she will have to adjust to the physicality and speed of the college game. Also, the competition level that she is playing against in her high school is not top notch. Someone has already stated their her high school conference is okay but not all that strong. Now, if her high school was to do what Lebron James high school team did when they played against the top teams ranked in the nation and they were beating them then I would agree with you. The way you are sounding, she just going to take the reins the first game and that is not going to happen. I think the freshmen this year will make a huge jump next year since they will have one year under their belts. I true test is going to come when Kate plays in the McDonald AA game, the Jordan Brand game when she will have to guard the elite guards in her class. If she able to defend them then I will agree with you. As I stated before, it you go back and watch Kate when she played against those top guards in AAU ball, she was scoring against them and they were scoring against her. EA is coming. If RK does not come back at 100% then EA might be starting at the PG next season. As I also stated this will be a good problem to have. LG is playing at a high level. So if Kate were to start from Day 1, she would have to beat out LG, RK, and EA for the starting spot. I will say we will see.

We can agree to disagree. We have no one on the team currently with anywhere near the talent level of Harpring. Plenty of examples of players less talented than her starting for us as a freshman.

 

[Jriv23]

Well, the last time I checked, a lot of yall was saying the same thing about LG when she came in. As I keep saying, it is going to take Kate some time to adjust to the college game next year when she comes in. She cannot assimilate this in high school. I have listen to some of the best women's college coaches coaching now say this. Geno, Dawn, Pat S. before she died, Carolyn Peck, Debbie, etc. The McDonald AA game and the Jordan Brand game is going to tell us what we need to know because she will be playing against the best players in her class, and not those players in her conference that is all that I am saying. When HH, JuJu and Sarah Strong played in those games, you could clearly see that they were on another level. I keep saying this as well. Those three could have gone straight to the WNBA if the league would have let them. I do not think there is anyone in the 2026 class that are good enough to got straight to the W from high school. That is what I keep saying,.

 

[HeelYeah2012]

Well, the last time I checked, a lot of yall was saying the same thing about LG when she came in. As I keep saying, it is going to take Kate some time to adjust to the college game next year when she comes in. She cannot assimilate this in high school. I have listen to some of the best women's college coaches coaching now say this. Geno, Dawn, Pat S. before she died, Carolyn Peck, Debbie, etc. The McDonald AA game and the Jordan Brand game is going to tell us what we need to know because she will be playing against the best players in her class, and not those players in her conference that is all that I am saying. When HH, JuJu and Sarah Strong played in those games, you could clearly see that they were on another level. I keep saying this as well. Those three could have gone straight to the WNBA if the league would have let them. I do not think there is anyone in the 2026 class that are good enough to got straight to the W from high school. That is what I keep saying,.

I’m not saying Kate is necessarily as good as Hidalgo, JuJu or Sarah Strong. Big gap between that, and what I said, which is that I expect her to be UNC’s best player next season.

 

[tarboy]

I think Kate will start at the PG or the 2G. We might start the game with 3 guards for the first 5 minutes.

I am not sure if she will be our best player her first year but I do think she will be darn good and could maybe be our best player.

 

[Roydean1980]

Yes I know the season isn't over, but Banghart mentions how young we are all the time and she isn't wrong. Just curious if folks think we can keep all these players without some of the ladies leaving or being poached?

Of the ladies I think can or are contributors we have:

Seniors

• Kelly

Juniors

• Aarnisalo
• Toomey
• Thomas
• Grant
• Hull

Sophomores

• Brooks
• Henderson
• Queiroz

Freshman

• Harpring
• Guaimatsia

Feels like we might need to play "big" lineups a decent amount if we want to keep everyone happy.

PG
Kelly (20)/Aarnisalo(15)/Harpring(5)

SG
Grant(20)/Brooks(10)/Harpring(10)

SF
Hull(15)/Henderson(10)/Brooks(10)

PF
Querioz(20)/Henderson(10)/Hull(10)

C
Toomey(25)/Thomas(10)/Guaimatsia(5)

The #2 ranked player in country is not playing just 15mins a game.

 

[1stGenerationHeel]

The #2 ranked player in country is not playing just 15mins a game.

Whose time is she taking? Arnisalo proved today she can run this team. If Kelly isn’t on the team because of injury maybe, but that’s a lot of players with experience to share minutes.

 

[3397char]

Barring injury or transfers it is shaping up to be a four player rotation at the two guard positions.

Aarnisalo vs Harpring at the 1
Grant vs Kelly at the 2

with the starter getting 25 a game and the back-up 15. My best guess right now is Grant and Harpring. But just a guess.

 

[ncjmayo]

Barring injury or transfers it is shaping up to be a four player rotation at the two guard positions.

Aarnisalo vs Harpring at the 1
Grant vs Kelly at the 2

with the starter getting 25 a game and the back-up 15. My best guess right now is Grant and Harpring. But just a guess.

That also puts the 3 in a similar spot with Nyla B vs Hull, with maybe more of a 30/10 minute split. Will have to see how transfers shake up this conversation and if we replace guards leaving with other guards or more post players.

 

[Jriv23]

Tarboy, that is exactly what I am saying. It is going to take her time. Eventually she could be the best player. Some posters think she is just going to come in and dominate from Day 1. I do not think so.

 

[tarboy]

Hey Jriv, right now I think Aarnisalo will have the best chance of being the best player next season.

Elina is playing lights out right now.

Kate might be the second or third best player. Brooks and Grant and maybe Toomey will have to
be factored in.

Now at the end of the season Kate might be the go to best player.

It all depends on how fast she can adjust to college. She has the talent.

 

[6string]

I could make an argument that our best player this year was a transfer - Harris. So it could be the same next year, we just don’t know a year out.

 

[tarboy]

Boy we are going to miss Nyla Harris. I agree that NH is the best player this season.

Based on recent results I think Elina has a leg up on being the best player from this existing roster
next year.

However a lot can change over the summer. Players get better, new roster additions arrive. Who knows.

 

[Jriv23]

I think IN brings a lot of intangibles to the table that is going to be hard to replace next year. If you go back and listen to CB post-game from last night, she mentioned this. IN does it all. She defends the best player on the other team. She makes a lot of steals each game; she does not take a play off. She plays hard the entire game. She rebounds on both ends of the floor, and she does score on the offensive end, and both of them provide leadership which is crucial for this team.

 

[3397char]

That also puts the 3 in a similar spot with Nyla B vs Hull, with maybe more of a 30/10 minute split. Will have to see how transfers shake up this conversation and if we replace guards leaving with other guards or more post players.

I would say that the 3 & 4 spot players are all pretty reasonably interchangeable and any two of them could earn the starting spots:

Brooks & Hull are more naturally threes
Queiroz & Henderson are more naturally 4's

But again, stressing that they are all interchangeable enough that any two could start.

Zubich (a 2-3 tweener) and Astakhova both have skill and could explode, but currently appear to be a step behind the other 4.

Toomey of course can play the 4 but seems pretty entrenched as the starter at 5 unless Thomas or Bofia pop and really demand more minutes as natural 5's.

In terms of transfers, we currently sit at 14 for next year, so only room for one more on the roster next season. If anyone were to leave that would obviously open up space and I would expect that we try and fill such an opening with a player of equal or greater stock at the same position.

But generally, my best guess is we will see minimal departures from the current rotation and I think we focus most of our player compensation resources on player retention. Assuming we do not lose a player of major importance I think we add 0-1 players of major importance.

No inside info, just reading the tea leaves on happy and united this team seems.

 

[3397char]

I have never seen a team this balanced on talent.

The delta from our #1 player to our #10 player is really, really small. No superstars. No liabilities. We can truly go two deep at every position with no noticeable drop-off in talent (when healthy).

That should hold for next year, just a year better. Unless of course Kate is a superstar.

 

[FanaticHeel]

I think Kate can play 1, 2 & 3 and be very effecting at all 3. Just too much talent and skill not to play major minutes. If CB is smart she plays her at all 3 whichever give us the best line-up at any given time on the court.

 

[Jriv23]

Kate is too small to play the three. AT 5 feet 10 inches tall that will not be wise to even think of putting her there. The other 3's would take her down in the paint and they would abuse her there. Remember how they did RK and DK when the other teams had a mix match. IN can do it because she is more athletic and IN can jump off the floor very well. She has tremendous hops which I think Kate does not have. Kate is more effective at the 1 and 2 IMO.

 

[Lumbee63]

Kate is too small to play the three. AT 5 feet 10 inches tall that will not be wise to even think of putting her there. The other 3's would take her down in the paint and they would abuse her there. Remember how they did RK and DK when the other teams had a mix match. IN can do it because she is more athletic and IN can jump off the floor very well. She has tremendous hops which I think Kate does not have. Kate is more effective at the 1 and 2 IMO.

Interesting take as Nivar is 5’10” and it seems Kate is a similar strong guard strength wise