Player Profile: Desmond Hubert

Vitals

Number: 14
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6-9 1/2
Weight: 215 lbs
Year: Sophomore
2011-12 and Career Stats: 25 gms, 0.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 44.0 FG%

What Happened Last Season

Desmond Hubert was a spot player who saw limited action behind Tyler Zeller, John Henson, and James Michael McAdoo. Hubert only played in 25 games, and saw only 36 total minutes in ACC play.

Outlook For This Season

My, how fortunes change quickly. Hubert will go from limited duty to a prominent role in the rotation with Zeller and Henson departed for the NBA and Carolina being both thin and young across the front line. The opportunity is there for Hubert to be the starter opposite McAdoo, and the 25 pounds he has put on since he arrived in Chapel Hill should help him compete more physically in the post.

Main Concern

It is problematic when your second-most experienced returning post player has a total of 36 minutes of action in league play. Hubert is still thin and somewhat limited offensively. Plus, while there is caution in reading too much into a single exhibition game less than two weeks into practice, but in the game vs. Shaw, the offense seemed to sputter with Hubert in the game.

Wish List

6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 50.0 FG%, 70.0 FT%

The other post position opposite McAdoo will likely be manned by committee with some combination of Hubert, Joel James, and Brice Johnson. Hubert's experience in the program and practicing last year against NBA-level talent like Zeller and Henson should benefit him and should help him teach the freshman post players. If Hubert can maximize his time, get some transition baskets and garbage buckets, and not get out-muscled on the boards, Hubert should be a contributing member of the post rotation.