NEW YORK — When Tony Bradley committed to the University of North Carolina on Sept. 2, he did so knowing senior big man Brice Johnson was on the way out.
Johnson’s Tar Heels career came to a close via last-second loss to Villanova in the national championship game earlier this month, so now the countdown to Bradley’s arrival in Chapel Hill is on.
Replacing Johnson will be no easy task, seeing as how he averaged 17.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, but can Bradley at least make a significant impact?
“I feel that I can, especially with Brice leaving,” Bradley told SNY.tv Wednesday afternoon at the HSS Training Center following practice for Friday night’s Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center. “One of my goals is to come in there and try to keep the production up as if he didn’t leave. That’s a big thing to do, so I’m just working hard, trying to get ready for that next level.
“I was thinking Kennedy (Meeks) was going to leave, but I don’t know if he is or not. Whether he leaves or not, I’m still going to be ready to help contribute any way possible.”
Bradley will be joined in the fall by two other four-star recruits in point guard Seventh Woods and shooting guard Brandon Robinson. All three are inside the top 80 of the 2016 class according to Rivals.
Bradley would represent another option in Roy Williams’ frontcourt if Meeks and classmate Isaiah Hicks return for their senior seasons. Justin Jackson has declared for the NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent. If he returns to school, and the program is not hammered with sanctions by the NCAA, the Tar Heels are likely to open next season in the top 10.
“Their playing style, the way they move, the tempo is fast, fast, fast,” Bradley said. “I feel like I can run the floor and I just like the way they pass the ball into their bigs first. They look at the bigs, so I’m excited about that.”
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