UNC Basketball: Super-Early Grades for Tar Heels Starters

It's a long season, but it is never too early to evaluate the progress of a college basketball team. This is especially true for a North Carolina Tar Heels squad that has been a bit underwhelming to this point.

The preseason No. 1 team in the nation has gotten off to a 5-1 start to the 2015-16 campaign. While this has included some positives, such as a CBE Hall of Fame Classic title, it also featured a disappointing loss on the road to Northern Iowa.

While the squad should look much different with the projected return of Marcus Paige, each player still needs to perform at his best in order for the team to live up to expectations.

So how have the key members of the Tar Heels played to this point? Here is a look at early grades for the starters through the first six games.

Joel Berry: C+

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

With the last three games being much tougher than the first three games, a lot of these grades will be swayed based on the idea of "what have you done for me lately?" This is not good for Joel Berry, who has slowed down a lot after a fast start.

The sophomore averaged 15 points over the first three games, but that number has dropped to just eight points per game over the last three. He is also shooting just 34.6 percent from the field over this stretch, including 21 percent from three-point range.

Even the assists Berry has produced this season (3.7 per game) have been canceled out by turnovers (2.5 per game).

While it initially seemed possible Berry would be able to stick in the starting lineup alongside Marcus Paige when the senior returned, it appears he will be best suited coming off the bench for short spurts at a time.

Theo Pinson: B+

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There is a whole lot to like about Theo Pinson's play in his first real action at the collegiate level. He has easily replaced J.P. Tokoto with his versatility to fill up the box score, averaging at 5.3 assists and five rebounds per game this season.

With solid on-ball defense and quality three-point shooting (42.9 percent on the season), Pinson has easily lived up to expectations.

The only holdup is the knowledge that he is capable of much more. He shot 6-of-14 from three-point range in the two games at the CBE Classic, but he only took a single shot from inside the arc in this stretch. With his athleticism and slashing ability, he could be a much bigger factor on the offensive end.

Pinson also obviously has to deal with his inconsistency after totaling just four points in consecutive games against Wofford and Northern Iowa.

The upside is clear, but it might take some time for Pinson to reach his potential.

Justin Jackson: A

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Unlike Joel Berry, Justin Jackson might have earned an F with his play over the first three games. However, he is finally showing what he is capable of over the last three contests.

Jackson has been more aggressive with the ball in his hand—not just shooting more, but taking better shots. He isn't settling for threes, instead utilizing his strength (6'8", 200 lbs) and driving to the basket and finishing at the rim. At the same time, he is doing his work to fill up the stat sheet in other ways.

As a result the sophomore is averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists over the past three games while making 58.1 percent of shots and 42.9 percent from three-point range. Even though the Tar Heels haven't necessarily been dominant in this stretch, this is clearly the best Jackson has played as a college player.

The question is whether Jackson can keep this up through the season, especially when Marcus Paige returns. If he can keep this up, North Carolina will be in great shape going forward.

Brice Johnson: A-

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Consistency was a major issue for Brice Johnson last season, but as a senior, the forward is starting to perform at a high level every night.

Johnson is especially doing a good job on the boards, earning a double-double in five of six games this season. North Carolina will certainly be satisfied if he can end up keeping his average of 10.3 rebounds per game all year long.

Offensively, Johnson has remained efficient as a finisher around the basket while making at least half of his shots in each game. His ferocious dunks might overshadow his ability to score inside, but he does also have a nice touch in the paint.

The only problem has been aggressiveness. Johnson is averaging only eight shot attempts over the last three games and at times has been invisible offensively. He has also only taken two free throws in this stretch. This is not ideal for a player who is supposed to be a leader on this team.

With his ability, he needs to demand the ball in the post and score much more often.

Kennedy Meeks: B+

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

The numbers have certainly been impressive, with Kennedy Meeks averaging 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He is showing scoring versatility as well as high awareness and feel for the game on the offensive end.

Despite the positives, there is still something missing on the defensive end. He appears slow at times in rotations and has zero blocks in the last three games. This has hurt the overall defense, and it has led to some easy baskets for opponents.

Meanwhile, Meeks has gotten quieter on the glass with few rebounds.

With Isaiah Hicks playing well off the bench, he will continue to cut into Meeks' playing time. The center still has as much ability as almost anyone in the conference, but he needs to step up his game.

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