7. Nassir Little, UNC
Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Slash Line: .463/.265/.768
Season Averages: 9.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.4 3PM
As his teammate Coby White, Nassir Little has a first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. It will likely take them into the second round and even a deeper run into March Madness, unless this event’s usual, unlikely turn of events transpire.
Little is a fascinating prospect, however. He does not start for head coach Roy Williams, but possesses the physical profile that will intrigue teams, with his size and a seven-foot wingspan that oozes potential.
The production exists in spurts for Little, since his playing time fluctuates sometimes off the bench. He was quiet in the ACC Tournament but had a 23-point game against Virginia Tech earlier this season and 18 points against Florida State on Feb. 23.
There are still questions on how he will translate without a proven outside shot yet, but his Per 40 Minutes numbers are outstanding: 20.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
Little does not have Hunter’s size, but he can be a smaller wing in the NBA. Maybe some shooting guard play down the line if the jumpshot improves.
Little would be a developmental project for the New York Knicks. He offers the defense Kevin Knox does not, but will the team willingly wait for someone as young and raw as this Tar Heel?