Sports

Waiting For College Basketball Season

Posted Updated
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
By
Josh Hailey

"Wait til basketball season." It's a familiar refrain around these parts at just about the same time every year.

I keep waiting for people to realize that this is the mecca of college basketball, not just something to break up the misery of football season.

It could not have been more clear to me than in Chapel Hill Thursday as I looked around at the talent Roy Williams has assembled. And for the first time in several years it's veteran talent. Last year the Baby Heels were formidable, about 30 seconds from a trip to the Final Four. This year they could be downright frightening.

The defending ACC champs have some holes to fill like lottery pick Brandan Wright, the versatile Reyshawn Terry, and the gritty Wes Miller, but the Heels are looking at those departures as opportunities. Coach Williams let the returning guys know about 50 minutes of playing time is up for grabs and the competition for those minutes will be fierce.

Deon Thompson looks to step into the post opposite Tyler Hansbrough. Thompson, who starred for Team USA's under-19 team has dropped what looks like a cheerleader's worth of weight, and his newfound speed and agility combined with his nose for the boards should complement Psycho T perfectly. Speedy point guard Ty Lawson has been working hard on the outside shot and if you can believe him, getting faster. The leadership role left vacant by David Noel in '06 seemed to go unfilled last year, but junior Marcus Ginyard seems ready to step into those big shoes. He does all the little things leaders do, takes charges, defends, rebounds, dives for loose balls. He's the kind of player that can impact the outcome of a game and never score.

All-America Tyler Hansbrough has proven that he is close to unstoppable and the rumor is that he can extend his game to about 15 feet. Wayne Ellington will need to show more consistency from 3 point land, but if he's off Danny Green has shown he can knock it down from the outside. Alex Stepheson will provide another big presence off the bench on the defensive end, and a healthy Bobby Frasor and Quentin Thomas give UNC experienced ball-handling and continuity at the point.

We know UNC will be able to run, rebound and score, but Roy Williams says that defense will determine how far they will go. Taking quality shots will be key as well. The round of eight collapse against Georgetown last March was a tough way to learn that lesson. This Heels team has a wealth of talent, depth and skill at every position, but most importantly experience. San Antonio should be where you can find Carolina at the end of March and with N.C. State loaded and Duke looking strong this should be a fun season in the Triangle. Every year I can't wait for basketball season.

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