Kendall Marshall graduates from UNC

Kendall Marshall played two seasons for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2010-2012. The Bob Cousy Award winner infamously broke his wrist during the second round of the 2012 NCAA tournament against Creighton, which ultimately kept one of Roy Williams’ most talented teams out of the final four. It also prevented the college basketball world from what could’ve been an outstanding championship game between UNC and the Anthony Davis-led Kentucky Wildcats.

At the time of the injury, Marshall was averaging 8.1 points and 9.8 assists per game. For his career, he averaged 7.2 points and 8.0 assists.

Marshall was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2012 NBA draft, but he struggled to find a long-term home in the league, bouncing around to four different teams in four years. He joined the UNC staff as a student-coach last year after officially retiring from playing.

Now, after having returned to Chapel Hill as a full-time student, Kendall Marshall earned his degree and is officially a UNC graduate. Not only is it a big step for Marshall, but it also means he is eligible to have an official position on the Tar Heel coaching staff, which is something Roy Williams seemingly plans to make happen.

Marshall’s expertise cannot be overstated. Coach Williams has long referred to him as one of the smartest players he’s ever coached. As a player, Marshall often compensated for his lack of athleticism with an extraordinary understanding of the game. Though he didn’t have too many rim-rattling dunks, he regularly made fans’ jaws drop with ridiculously creative passes.

Seventh Woods has attributed much of his success this season to tips and tricks he’s picked up from Marshall. Woods’ exceptional 2.6:1 assist-to-turnover ratio is a reflection of that.

I also don’t think it’s a complete coincidence that the point guard position has been so reliable during a season in which Marshall has spent so much time around the program (especially after the departure of three-year starter Joel Berry). A permanent position on the staff for Marshall could mean more great things for Woods, Coby White, and this entire Tar Heel team.