UNC Home Opener
After a time out that was basically “prescribed” (so I don’t have to use the word “forced”) by the doctor it is time to once again dive into the one subject I may not enough about, but is the one that always brings a smile to my face: North Carolina athletics. What a way to return to action as last night was the beginning of the Men’s basketball season. As we all know the first game of the season is never the greatest outcome for a Roy Williams’ led squad, so why should this one be different, as North Carolina (1-0) defeated Lipscomb (0-1) by 14 at the Dean Dome, with the final score being 80 to 66. Taking away the “too close” score it sounded like this team had way more positives than negatives in their first fourty minutes of the season. Then again, coming off the year they had, anytime you see something that does not feel right you begin to wonder/worry quickly!
The one thing that I am smiling about is that sophomore forward John Henson seems to be liking the move to the paint, having a double double night, with 10 points and 16 rebounds (as well as seven blocks). I doubt that we will see such high numbers in the latter column, but I would not be surprised at all if the young man is a double double player for most of the season. His team mate down low, Tyler Zeller, also had a good night, with 15 points (4 for 10 and 7 for 10 FTs) to go with seven boards. The duo, with some help from `Bama’s transfer Justin Knox (3 for 3) could definitely hold their own if fouls or injuries do not come up in the season. Freshman Harrison Barnes did ok in his debut, scoring 14 points in 27 minutes of play (most for any Heel on the night), and overall the team had ten players get 11 or more minutes of playing time with five of them going into double digit scoring.
In the end, let’s say this the right way, it was an easy opponent and for the most part the Tar Heels did exactly what they were supposed to do with them. With the trip to Puerto Rico coming up, where the squad will play three games in four days against pretty good competition, we will see how well and fast this team gels to playing conditions. It’s a new season, it’s a new adventure and I believe everyone one, staff, players and fans are ready to move on from `09-`10 and look forward to what `10-`11 has in store. It’s a long road ahead for all these young men, but they have one of (if not the) best head coach in the game and a lot of talent to go around!
