UNC 100th Year Celebration

It definitely was not the way any Tar Heel fan (or for that matter the team itself) wanted to end the ACC Tournament, as 10th seed North Carolina (16-16 & 5-11 in the ACC) fell to 7th seed Georgia Tech by the final of 62 to 58. On the other hand, at least for this old Heel, it was the effort that counted in this one, and while the result was not the one that I wanted, as I have said many times if you trust the final score you usually don’t get most of the story. Sure, the Carolina boards are still going at it why this team should have won this game and how this player should have been played instead of that one in order to do so. The fact is pretty simple, if UNC had played this was for the whole conference run they would not have a .500 record and probably would be waiting to see where in the NCAA Tournament they would go. Instead, as of right now, there are article that ask the question “Does the NIT want UNC?“.

If I had seen body flying for the months of January and February like I saw last night those type of questions would not be asked. Yes, the game was not perfect, as the outside shooting once again let the team down, but the team game was there, the wanting to play, the fight, it was there, all of it, and it showed. Again, it might not have showed in the scoreboard, but if you watched the game, it showed. What killed this time was about 4-5 lay ups that just didn’t go in, and if they had the Heels would have brough a 20 (not 10) points lead into half time and that might just have broken the back of the Yellow Jackets. But, as I have said all year long, “it is what it is” and the Heels could not capitalize on those easy chip in and could only hit two of 16 from beyond the arc, making it possible for Georgia Tech to come back and win this one. But again, once the Jackets caught the Heels it was not like head coach Roy Williams’ squad stopped playing. They fought on and kept it close all the way to the end, they could not win it, but this time it’s definitely not for lack of trying/hustle/wanting.

It was a great game by Tyler Zeller, who in 25 minutes registered a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The two seniors, Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson, had good games, with the first one scoring six points, getting six boards, having four assists and three steals, while the latter scored 10 points to go with eight rebounds. As I said before what killed us was the shooting from outside, in this case Will Graves and Leslie McDonald, who combined for 3 for 16 shooting (1 for 10 from 3). Larry Drew also didn’t help much, while having eight assists, he shot 1 for 8 (0 for 4 from beyond the arc) and having five turnovers, the last ones at the end of the game were killers. It was a tough loss, because if the Tar Heels could have hit a bit better than a third of his shots (12.5% from 3 point land) this game could have been theirs. But the reality of it all is that it didn’t happen and so the team comes back to Chapel Hill to await if the season is over or if they will be playing in the NIT.

We can now find a 1,000 of things to blame for this team as we await the off season, but I am more interested in saying “thanks” to them. Sure, they might not have had the “want” we hoped to see, they might not have won as many games as we all were imagining. But nonetheless it was a North Carolina team and one that will go down as nothing having had a great season but also having had the most injured players. Ginyard played like he did before he was hurt last year, looking for steals and then pouncing on them. Zeller looked as good as he did before his injury last season as well, grabbing pass after pass and going for the score instantly. Who knows, would both of these players at 100% for the whole season been the difference between a .500 record and a 20+ win season? We will never know, and it does not matter, but it sure is something to wonder about, no?

In my mind this team has a lot of talent and more importantly it has a lot to give, while the rumors of transfers and early departure are filling pages on the web boards, I am still thinking 12 scholarship players that won’t be seniors next season could be on the roster next year for coach Williams and his staff, and that to me is something worthwhile to think about.

(NBA) 03/11/10

Yet again it’s time to check out the games with Tar Heels playing in the National Basketball Association, in what I call “Heels in the League” (NBA). This edition is about the game from Thursday, March 11, 2010. The Association only had three games last night, all three of them had a touch of Carolina Blue, however none of them was a head to head match up of sort. If you want a more nuetral run down of the games from 03/11 you can check out Real GM’s recap from that date. But for now check out this recap for the games from 03/11/10…

The first game of the night is the one between two divisional foes as the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd SE) head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards (EC 5th SE). The game, which was played at the Verizon Center in front of 13,625 spectators, was the third (of four) between the two, with Atlanta winning the first two games. In this one for the visiting squad it’s forward Marvin Williams (63 Games: 30.0 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 5.2 RPG ~ 1.1 APG), who starts for the Hawks and played 33 minutes. In that time frame the small forward scores eight points (3 for 4 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 1 for 4) to go with three boards, an assist, a steal, a TO and a team high pts differential of +10. Atlanta took this one, as well as the season series, beating Washington by a half dozen, with the final score being 105 to 99. With the win the Hawks are now 41-23 overall (. winning percentage), 16-16 on the road (.500 winning percentage) and are third in the East, 8.5 games behind the conference leader and just 0.5 games ahead of the fourth place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation) by hawksdawgs
Soaring down South (FanSided) by KWillis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Second game of this recap has the Orlando Magic (EC 1st SE) playing host to the Chicago Bulls (EC 3rd Central), in what is the third (of three) games between the franchises, with the series being even at one a piece. The game was played at the Amway Arena in front of a crowd that numbered 17,461. For the home squad from the sunshine state it’s veteran guard Vince Carter (59 Games: 30.8 MinsPG ~ 16.4 PPG ~ 2.9 APG ~ 4.1 RPG), who starts for the Magic and plays for 26 minutes in this one. The shooting guard scores 23 points (8 for 13 ~ 2 for 5 ~ 5 for 5) to go with four boards, a block and a TO while having a +19 pts differential. In what was not much of a game in this one, Orlando defeated Chicago by 29 points, with the final score being 111 to 82. With the win the Magic are now 46-20 on the year (.697 winning percentage), 27-6 at home (.818 winning percentage) and are second in the East, 4.5 games behind the conference leader and 4.0 games ahead of the third place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Orlando Magic Daily (TrueHoop Network) by Michael Gavin
Orlando Pinstriped Post (SB Nation) by erivera7
Howard the Dunk (FanSided) by Andrew Melnick
Slam Dunk Central by Stephen Rhodes

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And finally we have the last game of the night, which is the one that features the Golden State Warriors (WC 5th Pacific) hosting the Portlando Trail Blazers (WC 4th NW). This game, played in front of 17,308 at the ORACLE Arena, is the third (of four) games between the two teams, with the first two games being split. For the home squad it would be Brandan Wright, but the forward is still out for right now due to his shoulder injury, surgery and recovery. As far as the game went it was Portland taking this high scoring affair, as they defeated Golden State by the final of 110 to 105. With the loss the Warriors are now 17-47 overall (.266 winning percentage), 13-19 at home (.406 winning percentage) and second to last in the West, 20.5 games out of playoff contention.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Golden State of Mind (SB Nation) by dj fuzzylogic
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

(NBA) 03/10/10

behind (but catching up) here is this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from Wednesday, March 10, 2010. In all there were nine games in the National Basketball Association, five of them had a touch of Carolina Blue, one of them was a head to head match up. As usual, if you are interested in a run down of all the games from 03/10 you can check out Real GM’s recap. But for now let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from 03/10/10…

In the first of the night it’s the Charlotte Bobcats (EC 3rd SE) going to the city of brotherly love to take on the Philadelphia 76′ers (EC 3rd Atlantic) in what is the the third (of four) encounters between these two squads, with the series being even right now. The game was played at the Wachovia Center in front of a crowd that numbered 11,358. For the visiting team it’s speedster Raymond Felton (62 Games: 32.6 MinsPG ~ 11.7 PPG ~ 5.3 APG ~ 1.6 SPG), who gets 28 minutes and didn’t have a great shooting night at all. The point guard for the Bobcats scored three points (1 for 7 ~ 1 for 2 ~ 0 for 0) to go with seven boards (2 offensive), six assists, two turnovers and a pts differential of +8. In the end this was a pretty lopsided game, with Charlotte taking this one by 15 points (their fourth win a row), defeating Philadelphia by the final of 102 to 87. With the win the Bobcats are now 32-31 on the year (.508 winning percentage), 9-23 on the road (.281 winning percentag) and are tied for seventh in the East, 17.0 games back of the conference leader and just 1.0 game ahead of the first team out of the playoffs.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The SportingNews ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Queen CityHoops (TrueHoop Network) by James

Rufus on Fire (SB Nation) by David Arnott

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of this recap it’s an East/West clash as the Boston Celtics (EC 1st Atlantic) play host to the Memphis Grizzlies (WC 3rd SW) in what is the second game between these two squads, with Boston having taken the first one of the series. The game was played in front of an attendance of 18,624 at the TD Garden. For the home town team it’s ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (60 Games: 23.3 MinsPG ~ 9.6 PPG ~ 4.1 RPG ~ 0.9 BPG), who gets 22 minutes in all coming off the Celtics’ bench. In that time the center scored 11 points (3 for 7 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 4 for 5) to go along with six assists, three blocks, two rebounds while being -16 pts differential. In the end this was another lopsided game and a major upset, with Memphis taking it by 20 points, beating down on Celtics by the final tally of 111 to 91. With the loss the Celtics are now 40-23 on the season (.635 winning percentage), 18.12 at home (.600 winning percentage) and fourth in the East, 9.0 games behind the conference leader and 6.0 in front of the fifth place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub(TrueHoop Network) by Zach Lowe

Celtics Blog (SBNation) Greg Payne

Slam Duke Central by Jeff Sack
RedsArmy by Red’s Army
Celtics Life by ACF

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The third game of the night is the head to head match up that is also a divisonal clash as the Denver Nuggets (WC 1st NW) play the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 4th NW). This is the fourth (of four) games between the teams, with Denver having a 2 to 1 edge in the series. The game was played at the Target Center in front of a crowd of 14,256. For the visiting squad from the Mile High City it should be rookie point guard Ty Lawson, however he dressed but sees no playing time (DNP – Coach’s Decision). For the home squad another rookie, shooting guard Wayne Ellington (60 Games: 17.8 MinsPG ~ 6.3 PPG ~ 0.9 APG ~ 2.2 RPG), does get playing time, getting 18 minutes coming off the pine. In that time the guard scores six points (2 for 8 ~ 0 for 3 ~ 2 for 2) to go with five rebounds (2 offensive), one assist and a -7 pts differential. As far as the game was concerned it was Denver winning by eight points, defeating Minnesota by the final of 110 to 102. With the win the Nuggets are now 43-21 on the year (.672 winning percentage), 15-16 on the road (.483 winning percentage) and third in the West, 3.5 games behind the conference leader, 1.0 behind the second team and 1.0 games ahead of the fourth place squad. With the loss the TWolves are 14-51 on the season (.215 winning percentage), 9-24 at home (.272 winning percentage) and dead last in the West, 23.5 games behind the last playoff squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Roundball Mining Company (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Nate Timmons
Canis Hoopus (SB Nation) by Stop-n-Pop

Box Score — Play-By-Play

In the second to last game of this recap we have the Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st SW) playing host to the New Jersey Nets (EC 5th Atlantic) in what is the second (of two) match ups between them, with Dallas having won the first one. The game was played at the American Airlines Center in front of a crowd that numbered 19,770. For the home squad from the lone star state it’s big man Brendan Haywood (61 Games: 32.4 MinsPG ~ 9.7 PPG ~ 10.1 RPG ~ 2.1 BPG), who starts for the Mavs and plays a total of 24 minutes. In that time frame the big man in the middle registers a double double by scoring 11 points (4 for 6 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 3 for 5) to go with 10 rebounds (3 offensive), two blocks and an assist while having a pts differential of +11. In the end it was Dallas winning this one by nine, defeating New Jersey by the final score of 96 to 87. With the victory the Mavs are now 45-21 overall (.682 winning percentage), 23-9 at home (.718 winning percentage) and are second in the West, 2.5 games behind the conference leader and 1.0 games ahead of the third place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

The Two Man Game (TrueHoop Network) by Rob Mahoney
Mavs Moneyball (SB Nation) by zgdmans

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Finally, we close out the night with the game that has a East/West clash as the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific) hosts the Toronto Raptors (EC 2nd Atlantic), in what is the second (of two) games between them, with Toronto having won the first game. The game was played at the ARCO Arena in front of 13,412. For the home squad from Cali it’s ex UNC big man Sean May (26 Games: 9.5 MinsPG ~ 3.4 PPG ~ 2.0 RPG ~ 0.2 BPG), who comes off the bench for 14 minutes. In this one the big man in the middle score three points (1 for 6 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 1 for 2) to go with three steals, two rebounds (both offensive), two assists and a +2 pts differential. As far as the game was concerned it was a pretty lopsided one, with Sacramento winning by 23 points, beating Toronto by the final of 113 to 90. With the win the Kings are now 22-43 on the year (.338 winning percentage), 16-15 at home (.516 winning percentage) and in 13th slot in the West, 15.5 games behind the playoff race.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Cowbell Kingdom (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Harper
Sactown Royalty (SB Nation) by Ziller

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And so here we are, not too far away to what could be the end of the 100th basketball season at Chapel Hill. One that a lot of the fan base would like to forget as quickly as possible. Tonight, at 7:00 p.m. EST (televised on ESPN2), North Carolina (16-15 & 5-11 in the ACC) will take on Georgia Tech (19-11 & 7-9 in the ACC) at Greensboro Coliseum in the 7/10 match up. As a fan you do not want to hang on to anything else this season, hang on to the fact that winning this game would mean that UNC will finish with a record above .500, and while that might truly stink in the overall scheme of things, it might just be a small victory when it comes right down to it. On the other hand, when it comes to this tournament game it’s pretty simple: the bottom line is that Carolina needs to win this game to continue playing in the tournament and having a real chance of making the NIT.

The Vegas odds makers have the Tar Heels as a four points underdogs, which is nothing unusual seeing the season that head coach Roy Williams’ squad has had and that the Yellow Jackets have beaten them twice this season. As a matter of fact I thought that the four points was quite low, but it is what it is and so we move on from that. The key is what does Carolina have to do in order to win this game? First and foremost: keep the turnovers at a minimum, meaning that both Larry Drew, Dexter Strickland, Marcus Ginyard and all the other Heels have to keep a good hold on the ball and not give Ga Tech a chance to get easy buckets in transition. The second thing is that coach Williams’ squad can not let the Jackets have any type of run, be it a small one of six-seven points or the 20+ that have occured during this season. Which means that UNC has to play better on D than they have all year long. Are those two things possible? Sure, if the team plays together, and that is what might worry most of the fan base. Can this squad that hasn’t jelled for most of the year be able to do so now, on the road, in a “win or go home” situation? Chances are they might not, but I never say never when there is Roy Williams at the helm of the team.

It all has to start inside, where Deon Thompson, John Henson and Tyler Zeller have to come out and have great performances, and by that I mean 2 out of the three need double double games. If North Carolina can pound it down low it might just give enough space that when Will Graves touches the ball he will have the space to shoot from beyond the arc, and hopefully make them. On the defensive end the front line can not allow any of Tech’s bigs to dominate, the Yellow Jackets have to have a one and done each time the come down the court on offense.

And in the end what will be the fate of UNC tonight? I am pretty confident that the fan base is going to get one more chance to cheer on this squad in the tournament and probably do the same in the NIT, as North Carolina beats Georgia Tech in a squeaker 74 to 71.

UNC Lacrosse

If anyone thought the the UNC Lax team might not be worthy of the Top 5 ranking after the great game in Durhma there should not any doubts left. Third ranked North Carolina (6-0 & 1-0 in the ACC) went to play against ninth ranked Duke (2-3 & 0-2 in the ACC) and came out with an impressive 13 to 7 victory. Watching the game on ESPNU I have to say that if the old saying “defense wins championships” head coach Joe Breschi could have a national contender in his hands. Especially in the first two quarters it felt that anytime that the Blue Devils had the ball it was just one miscue from becoming a Heels’ counterattack. For someone like me, that truly loves this game, from the fast breaking to the organized attacks, this game was a true pleasure to watch. This was the first win after 11 losses in a row to arc rival Duke and maybe the best stat of the night is that on a partially rainy night 1,912 fans witnessed this game.

The full recap of the game can be found on TarHeelBlue.com, but for this blogger the highlights were all about the wonderful way this squad came out strong (leading 3-0) and never looked back as offense found the goals when they needed it and the defense bent but never broke when Duke tried to make a run. The Heels outshot 33-24 the Blue Devils, but anyone that watched the game it felt like it was a lot more. The two squads 31 ground balls a piece and the only thing in Duke’s favor were the face offs, which they beat UNC by 10 to 8. UNC had seven extra man chances, they scored on four of them. In other words, as I said before, if anyone has any doubts that this squad does not belong in the Top 5 you either didn’t see the game or you are an ABC’er of sort.

But the game was still in reach with about three and a half minutes to go in the third quarter. But the Heels then went into a 4-0 run before the end of the period and put the game away for good. This game, besides being another win for the Heels Lacrosse team it’s also another point for North Carolina in the Carlyle Cup. UNC has now almost a week off until their next game, as they play against another Top 10 squad, Princeton, on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EST. The game will be webcast live on TarHeelBlue.com.

(NBA) 03/09/10

Once again extremely late with the recap of the games with North Carolina players in the National Basketball Association, here is the recap from March 9, 2010. In all the NBA had eight games on their slate, of those five had a touch of Carolina Blue, one of those being a head to head match up. If you want a complete run down of the night you can either go to ESPN or Real GM. (Hopefully I will be able to get this recap post back on time from now on). But for now here is this editio of “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from 03/09/10…

In the first game of the night it’s the third match up (of three) between the Philadelphia 76′ers (EC 3rd Atlantic) and the Indiana Pacers (EC 5th Central), with the first two games of the series being a split. In this one that was played at the Conseco Fieldhouse in front of a crowd that numbered 11,535. For the home squad we should be seeing Tyler Hansbrough, but as we know the inner ear infection and other things are keeping him off the court. As far as the game is concerned it is Indiana winning the game and series, defeating Philadelphia by 11 points, with the final score being 107 to 96. With the W the Pacers are now 21-43 overall (.328 winning percentage) and 14-16 at home (.466 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Indy Cornrows (SB Nation) by Tom Lewis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second game of this recap is an East/West match up as the Los Angeles Clippers (WC 3rd Pacific) and the Orlando Magic (EC 1st SE) meet up for the second time (of two), with the first game going to Orlando. The game was played in front of 17,461 spectators at the Amway Arena. For the home squad from the sunshine state it’s veteran guard Vince Carter (58 Games: 30.8 MinsPG ~ 16.3 PPG ~ 2.9 APG ~ 4.1 RPG), who starts for the Magic and plays for 33 minutes. In this one the shooting guard scores 13 points (5 for 9 ~ 2 for 3 ~ 1 for 1) to go with five assists, three rebounds and a +22 pts differential. The Orlando sweep the series by winning this game by 26 points, defeating Los Angeles by the final tally of 113 to 87. With the victory the Magic are 45-20 on the year (.692 winning percentage) and 26-6 at home (.812 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Orlando Magic Daily (TrueHoop Network) by Philip Rossman-Reich
Orlando Pinstriped Post (SB Nation) by erivera7

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The third game of the night is a divisional clash between teams trying to get into the playoffs as the Miami Heat (EC 4th SE) play the Charlotte Bobcats (EC 3rd SE) for the third time (out of 4), with the first two games going to Charlotte. The game was played in the Time Warner Cable Arena in front of an attendance that numbered 18,646. For the home team it’s speedster Raymond Felton (61 Games: 32.7 MinsPG ~ 11.9 PPG ~ 5.3 APG ~ 1.6 SPG), who starts for the Bobcats and gets a total of 25 minutes in all. The point guard has a double double, scoring 15 points (5 for 12 ~ 2 for 4 ~ 3 for 4) to go with 11 assists, four rebounds, a block and three TOs while having a pts differential of +9. As far as the game is concerned it’s Charlotte winning this low scoring affair by coming from behind, defeating Miami by 5 points, with the final score being 83 to 78. With the win the Bobcats are now 31-31 on the season (.500 winning percentage) and 23-8 at home (.741 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Queen City Hoops (TrueHoop Network) by Brett
Rufus on Fire (SB Nation) by David Arnott

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The fourth game of the night is the head to head one, with the Boston Celtics (EC 1st Atlantic) going at it with the Milwaukee Bucks (EC 2nd Central). This is the second (of four) games between the franchises, with the first one going to Boston. The game was played in front of a crowd of 14,316 at the Bradley Center. For the visiting squad from the Bean Town it’s ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (59 Games: 23.3 MinsPG ~ 9.6 PPG ~ 4.1 RPG ~ 0.8 BPG), who comes off the bench for 19 minutes. In that time the center scores seven points (2 for 3 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 2 for 2) to go with four rebounds, two steals, an assist and a +11 pts differential. On the other hand, for the home squad, it should be veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse but he does not even dress in this game. In a real tight game and low scoring game it is Milwaukee squeaking it out by two points, beating Boston by the final of 86 to 84. With the win the Bucks are now 34-29 on the year (.540 winning percentage) and 21-9 at home (.700 winning percentage). The lost slides the Celtics to 40-22 for the season (.645 winning percentage) and 22-11 on the road (.667 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub (TrueHoop Network) by Brian Robb
Bucksketball (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Celtics Blog (SB Nation) by Jeff Clark
Brew Hoop (SB Nation) by Alex Boeder
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we close up this with the game between the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific) and the Portland Trail Blazers (WC 4th NW), in the second (of four) match ups between the two squads with Portland winning the first one. The game was played at the Rose Garden in front of an attendance of 20,587. For the visiting team from Cali it’s ex UNC big man Sean May (25 Games: 9.4 MinsPG ~ 3.4 PPG ~ 2.0 RPG ~ 0.2 BPG), who come off the bench for seven minutes in this one. For the power forward it’s a five points affair (2 for 2 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 1 for 2) to go with one rebound and a +8 pts differential. In another very low scoring game it’s Portland winning this one, beating Sacramento by seven points, with the final score being 88 to 81. With the loss the Kings are now 21-43 on the year (.328 winning percentage) and 6-28 on the road (.176 winning percentage)

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Cowbell Kingdom (TrueHoop) by Zach Harper

Box Score — Play-By-Play

From the sounds of an online article in the Gaston Gazette it sounds that the new owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan, is looking to bring another Tar Heel to the franchise. No, it’s not free agent Rashad McCants, no, it’s not any of the fourteen NBA’ers that come from Chapel Hill, it’s one of MJ’s team mates from when they both played for Dean Smith, James Worthy. It’s unsure what Worthy would do, but he says in the article that he has spoken with Jordan about it and when he is ready to hire he has his number. I have to say I would love to see James Worthy working hand in hand with Jordan on this. Will it happen? Only time will tell, but if I had to guess, my gut feeling would tell me “yes”, which would mean a Heel as a player (Raymond Felton), as a coach (Larry Brown), in the offices (James Worth) and as an owner (Michael Jordan). As I do with all the Tar Heels, best of luck to James Worthy on coming back to the East coast and to MJ to make the best moves for his team.

Just like most everyone that is a Tar Heel, or for that matter, most of the ABC’ers, rivals and haters, I have read the piece that Adam Lucas (who I consider the best when it comes to reporting UNC sports) did with many quotes from Marcus Ginyard. I have read what Tar Heel Fan talked about the piece as well, loving his last line (not going to say it so you go read it yourself). After thinking about this for a while I have come out with my own thoughts on the quotes, which can be summed up (for those that want the edited version) in one sentence, or better said, two word: why now?

I do not have any inside info (for the most part), but it does not take a James Bond or a Michael Weston to figure out that this team had problems, both on the field and off of it. So, with one game to go for sure and hopefully maybe a couple of more, I have to ask: why now? Why speak out on a subject that you know is going to open wounds that maybe should be left be until the season is completely over when this team still has a couple of games and head coach Roy Williams might just want to end on a positive note. Meaning the team playing better and together. All that the fifth year senior did is just add to things most people knew and in the meantime it can not have helped the morale of a team that has had plenty of problems already.

I admire the fact that Ginyard said what he did, while I do not agree that he did it, cause it takes guts to come out and say it, but I definitely do not agree with the timing of this. Would have it changed if this had been said after the season was totally over? No. So, all of this could have been better off being said two weeks from now, and it would have had the same shock value to the readers and probably would not have a backlash on the team. That is why I keep asking myself: why now? But I am starting to think: why at all?

I have to say this, I did expect this stuff to come out sooner or later, it always does, but I didn’t expect it now and not from Marcus Ginyard. Most of all the “players only meeting” part, which is supposed to be just that, for players, about the players, where no one knows about it and it stays that way. Moving forward will there ever be another one? If so will people be willing to speak their mind knowing that it can be send out onto the internet in an interview?

Maybe because I am older than most bloggers but I still remember coaches telling the players that what happened inside the locker rooms/practices was to never leave those places. And it never did. Call me old timer, call me naive if you wish, but to me this was not a subject that Ginyard needed to go on the record with. What this season has proven to me is that “winning hides a lot of things”. If UNC had won the scrimmage that the fifth year senior talks about, out of the three OOC Top 25 teams (SU, Texas or UK) and the College of Charleston I believe some of these feelings would have been hidden and the bonding that was definitely missing would have been there.

It didn’t happen, everyone knows this, but all of these comments aren’t going to change that, they aren’t going to help this team now, and they are going to fill the ABC’ers web boards of good material to talk about. So, again, why now? Or maybe, should I say: why at all?

(NBA) 03/08/10

Way, way late due to personal things (and no, I am not going to get into it) here is the recap from Monday, March 8, 2010. In all it was a pretty small line up for the National Basketball Association as only five games were scheduled. Of those four had a touch of Carolina Blue, one of them being a head to head match up. As usual, if you are interested in the complete run down you can check it out by going to either ESPN’s recap or the one over at Real GM. But for now enjoy this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from 03/08/10…

The first game of the night is an East/West match up as the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC 1st Central) plays host to the San Antonio Spurs (WC 2nd SW). This is the first game (of two) that these two teams will play and it was taken place that the Quicken Loans Arena in front of a sold out crowd of 20,562 (max capacity: 20,562). For the home team we have a trio of Tar Heels, with Antawn Jamison (51 Games: 37.9 MinsPG ~ 19.8 PPG ~ 8.6 RPG ~ 0.3 BPG) and Jawad Williams (39 Games: 12.8 MinsPG ~ 4.0 PPG ~ 1.4 RPG ~ 0.1 BPG) starting for the Cavs, while Danny Green dresses but does not play (DNP – Coach’s Decision). With the ex NPOY it’s a 21 minutes affair, scoring 17 points (5 for 12 ~ 3 for 4 ~ 2 for 4) to go with four rebounds, two steals, one assist, a block and a TO while having a -4 pts differential. Williams instead plays for 34 minutes, scoring 13 points (6 for 11 ~ 1 for 2 ~ 0 for 1) to go along with five boards, one assist, a pair of turnovers and a pts differential of +5. In the end it was Cleveland winning its 50th game of the season, taking down San Antonio without LeBron James by the final of 97 to 95. With the wing the Cavs are now 50-15 overall (.769 winning percentage) and 28-4 at home (.875

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

CAVS: the blog (TrueHoop Network) by John Krolik
Fear the Sword (SB Nation) by Jeff at the BBC
King James Gospel (FanSided) by Cody Norman
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of the night is the fourth match up (of four) between the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd SE) and the New York Knicks (EC 4th Atlantic), with two of the first three having been won by New York. This one was played at the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden, in front of a crowd of 19,763. For the team from down south it’s forward Marvin Williams (62 Games: 29.9 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 5.2 RPG ~ 1.1 APG), who starts for the Hawks and plays for a total of 35 minutes. The ex one and done scores eight points (3 for 6 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 2 for 2) to go with seven rebounds, two assists and a steal with a -6 pts differential. As far as the game went it was an upset as New York won this one as well, defeating Atlanta by the slimmest of margin, with the final score being 99 to 98. With the loss the Hawks slide to 40-23 on the season (.635 winning percentage) and 15-16 on the road (.483 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation) by hawksdawgs
Soaring Down South (FanSided) by KWillis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The third game of the night is the one that sends the Golden State Warriors (WC 5th Pacific) to the big easy to take on the New Orleans Hornets (WC 5th SW). This is the third (of four) match ups between the franchises with the first two going to New Orleans. The game was played at the New Orleans Arena in front of a crowd that numbered 13,889. For the visiting squad from the West Coast it should be forward Brandan Wright, but as we all know by now he is still out due to an injury suffered before the beginning of the season. In what was a very high scoring affair it was New Orleans winning it, defeating Golden State by four, with the final score being 135 to 131. With the loss the Warriors are now 17-46 on the season (.270 winning percentage) and 4-28 on the road (.125 winning percentage)

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Golden State of Mind (SB Nation) by Fantasy Junkie

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we close up with the game between Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st SW) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 5th NW) in the fourth (of four) head to head match ups, with Dallas having won two to Minny’s one. The game was played at the Target Center in front of a crowd of 14,007. For the visiting team from the lone star state we should be seeing newly acquired big man Brendan Haywood, but he does not play in this one (DNP – Lower Back Tightness). For the home squad we should see rookie shooting guard Wayne Ellington, but he does not even dress for the game. In another high scoring affair it is Dallas winning this one by 13 points, defeating Minnesota by the final of 125 to 112. With the W the Mavs are now 44-21 (.677 winning percentage) and 22-12 on the road (.647 winning percentage). The loss drops the TWolves to 14-50 (.219 winning percentage) and 9-23 at home (.281 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

The Two Man Game (TrueHoop Network) by Rob Mahoney
Howlin’ T-Wolf (TrueHoop Network) by Howlintwolf
Canis Hoopus (SB Nation) by Stop-n-Pop
The Smoking Cuban (FanSided) by Jay Maguire

Box Score — Play-By-Play

2010 ACC Tournament

The Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament is all set (has been for a while now), and the Tar Heels once again have a new “never happened before” moment, as head coach Roy Williams will lead his North Carolina team (16-15 & 5-11 in the ACC), as a 10 seed, to play on Thursday for the first time ever. The opponent will be #7 Georgia Tech (19-11 & 7-9 in the ACC), a team that beat UNC by 2 at the Dean Dome and by 17 on their home court, and the game will be televised on ESPN2 with tip off time being 7:00 p.m. EST. And while people might be down on the match up, especially after the shellacking that happened in Durham this past weekend, I have to say that Carolina could still have a shot at this game. Like it or not, UNC has won 2 out of the last three, while GaTech has lost 3 out of the last four.

I am not going to start my preview on the game now, but I will say this, if UNC can play within themselves the Heels could win this game. But, this is nothing new, the team has to stay away from the turnovers and having the opponents get a run (or runs) against them. On the other hand the Yellow Jackets’ coaching staff has to get their players ready to play against a team they have beaten twice and that truly has nothing to lose in this one. Yes, in my opinion, after the loss to Duke last Saturday North Carolina’s only hope for post season exposure is the NIT and I doubt that when the tournament committee has a chance to get a team like UNC, good or bad season, they are going to say yes to it. Of course a win by coach Williams’ team will ensure them that they will finish the season with an above .500 record, and probably make themselves look better for the NIT’s. On the other hand, as I said before, after a season like this, UNC has nothing to lose.

With the tournament being held in Greensboro you have to believe that the crowd is going to be pro-UNC, and that could make the atmosphere Dean Dome-like, and when the two squads played there it was a tight game, and it was before John Henson began to progress in his skills. In the end, when it is all said and done, this should be a decent game if UNC can come out to avenge what happened in Durham last weekend. It could be ugly if that loss to arc rival Duke buried the team for good.