Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

Ed Davis comes off the floor from warming up and greets Tar Heel fans before Round II of the NCAA first round in Greensboro, March 21, 2009. Photo by Todd Melet

By Adam Harris
Mar 25, 2009

Tags: ACC

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"The x-factor for Carolina, to me, is Ed Davis. He's the best pro prospect on their team."

Those are the words of Seth Greenberg on Tuesday afternoon. The Virginia Tech head basketball coach took a break from a recruiting road trip to talk with The Insiders on 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio.

Greenberg spoke at length about how Gonzaga might game plan for UNC on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament. After waxing poetic about getting back on defense, matching the intensity of Hansbrough and the fervor of Lawson, the head Hokie decided that Ed Davis is a big factor in the Tar Heels-Bulldogs Sweet 16 game.

X-factor does not necesarily mean that Ed Davis is Carolina's best player. But, Davis has been very impressive for the Tar Heels. The freshman from Richmond, VA leads Carolina in blocked shots and is second only to Tyler Hansbrough in rebounds for UNC with 6.7 per game.

In the NCAA Tournament, Davis' playing time has been increased by about four minutes per game, and it's paying dividends for the Tar Heels.

Davis scored 24 points in Greensboro, an average of 12ppg. That's five points better than his season average. He's also collected 12 rebounds and blocked six shots in those two Tar Heels wins.

Obviously, UNC has a plethora of scoring options. The Tar Heels' balance is probably better than any team's in the nation. That's why so many people believe UNC will win it all.

One could argue that Lawson is the MVP for Carolina, or that Hansbrough's play is more crucial to the Heels' success.

But, after watching Carolina's freshman big man develop this season for UNC and elevate his play in the post-season, I'm buying what Greenberg is selling about Ed Davis being the x-factor for UNC. He's scoring, rebounding and defending like a seasoned veteran.

"He's a guy that changes the game on the defensive end," says Greenberg. "He can block shots. He changes shots... He protects the front of the rim."

Most Recent Comments

RE: Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

Coach Greenberg certainly knows more about BB than most. So, if he says it--I will go with it. He will be a great one in time.

RE: Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

No doubt he has the most potential. He needs to play more for UNC to win a national championship this year. He has so much energy and is a threat to block a shot at any time. Next year he should be a double double guy all year with 3-4 blocks a game.

RE: Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

Easy Ed has definatly raised his status, and gotten on some teams draft boards with his effeciency on offense and his hyperactive presence on defense. The guy has the potential to be a dominate big-man in the ACC. I feel that his father (former NBA'er) is prepping his kid the right way. Too many guys leave early for that Rookie Contract, and don't produce enough to get that 2nd contract.

That being said, if he leaves early I will wish him all the best, as I do all UNC players. He should stay IMO and put on a few pounds, while finding a few more offensive post moves. But, if we lose him, we are losing a guy that plays a position we can afford to have a loss at. With Thompson, Zeller returning and bringing in Henson and the Wear twins, PF will be taken care of regardless.

RE: Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

lmao, you guys are awsome lol. Keep hoping that everyone at UNC will leave early, cause it gives you a chance to finally win a game against the heels. From a tarheel standpoint, we have a great class coming in, AGAIN, and you should just be happy that there is the possibility of UNC sending off 4 maybe 5 players this year due to graduation and the NBA Draft. Things will come back to level again for you all soon, just be patient.

RE: Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

Best player and best pro prospect are 2 different things! Is he UNC's best player at this time, No! Is he the best pro prospect at UNC, Yes!
- Posted by cp1017

Totally agree. As far as I'm concerned, and I'm royal blue to the core, Wayne Ellington is UNC's best player and probably a high draft pick as well.

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