Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Four Players to Watch For in Conference Tournaments

By Dallin Duffy

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 18: Isaiah Stewart #33 (L) and Jaden McDaniels #0 of the Washington Huskies react in the second half against the Oregon Ducks during their game at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on January 18, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 18: Isaiah Stewart #33 (L) and Jaden McDaniels #0 of the Washington Huskies react in the second half against the Oregon Ducks during their game at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on January 18, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 03: Cole Anthony #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point basket against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on March 03, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Cole Anthony

I, as have many others, question the potential fit of Cole Anthony next to Trae Young in a backcourt. Two under-sized guards that struggle mightily on the defensive end of the court probably wouldn’t be a great fit. If the Atlanta Hawks slide in the Lottery and take a best player available approach, Anthony could come to Atlanta.

Like Edwards above, Anthony has struggled with his college team after being a top recruit out of high school, making just 38 percent of his 16.3 shot attempts per game. 4.1 assists against 3.4 turnovers per game is just as concerning.

He “led” the North Carolina Tar Heels to a last place ACC finish, and a first round matchup in the Conference Tournament.

Anthony has yet to show much of the talent that made him a early pick staple in preseason mocks, but has one final chance to show out in a UNC jersey. It could be his final chance to stop a draft night slide.

What to watch for:

  • Staying hot from three. Anthony shot 45 percent from deep in his final seven regular season games.
  • Limiting turnovers.
  • Takeover potential (especially in game one)

14th seeded UNC will take on #11 Virginia Tech on Tuesday March 10th, which would have to be the first of five wins if the Heels want to go dancing.