Hidden behind the allure of Nassir Little and Coby White, Leaky Black’s arrival at UNC was somewhat unheralded. Now a junior, he has to battle to come back stronger after two injury-plagued seasons and assume a larger role on a program looking to bounce back from its first losing campaign in nearly two decades.
But what does a healthy Black look like? The world is about to find out.
“Right now, I feel great,” Black said during an Oct. 21 press conference. “I feel like this is the best I’ve felt in a long time.”
The 6-foot-8 swingman from Concord said he was never fully healthy last season, despite playing 32 games. His ankle gave him problems all year, preventing him from ever feeling more than 70 percent of his normal self.
“I only know one speed, and it’s everything I have,” he said. “I feel like with the ankle holding me back, I feel like it didn’t allow me to guard everyone full court like I’m accustomed to doing or being confident in my offense and making a cut.”
That discomfort contributed to inconsistent offensive production. He only shot 35.2 percent from the field, more than 10 percentage points lower than his first-year campaign.
But he's been working to become more of a weapon on the offensive end. Black starts his days with a 7 a.m. treatment before hitting the court to perfect his shot. He said he doesn't leave the gym until he makes at least 300 shots.
He’s satisfied with how his game is progressing, but in the end, everything boils down to his physical condition. If he remains healthy, there is optimism he can have a huge year in Carolina blue.
The Tar Heels know what he’s capable of. In the Oct. 21 press conference, senior forward Garrison Brooks defined the kind of a player an injury-free Black can be.
