On Friday we saw the Tar Heels begin their season, and while the venue was completely different than the usual, as the USS Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier was turned into a basketball court, the start was the same as we have become accustomed to with Carolina, not revving on all cylinders. In the end #1 North Carolina (1-0) took down Michigan State (0-1) by the final of 67 to 55, but as in most cases, the final score doesn’t tell much of the story line of the game. The first thing that if you dig a bit deeper than the score you will see that head coach Roy Williams played his starters a bit more than you would expect for a November game, making you wonder if this was one of those games that was a sort of “must win” due to the location and meaning of it. Let’s face it here, this game was played in front of the President of the United States along with thousands of military personnel on Veterans’ Day. Or, maybe best said, there will only ever be the first ever winner of the “Quicken Loans Carrier Classic”, and holder of an 85 pounds trophy. This one was a game of spurts, with both teams making their moves during the game, but in the end the talent of the Tar Heels showed itself in more ways than one.

There is no other way to say this than in the end coach Williams’ team got it done and when they were playing like most expect them to they were good, very, very good. But this team, even all this talent, has to make steps forward in some sections, such as the defensive rebounding, which kept Michigan State, who had 24 offensive boards, in the game for most of the first half. The free throw shooting has to improve, 65.2% (15 of 23) is just not good enough if you wish to be the top squad in the nation, and finally 33.3% (4 for 12) from beyond the arc brings back memories of how much lament there was about the outside shooting last season. And while I believe that in this game the real rotation was not shown by the Heels, they will need more than 13 points off the bench if they want to be able to win it all come March/April.

On the other side, you have to say that John Henson, with 12 points, 7 rebounds and a career high 9 shot blocks, seems ready to have a break out season for this squad. Harrison Barnes, who scored a team high 17 points looked good as well, while Tyler Zeller got inside, but none of his shots seemed to want to stay down at the beginning of the game. Point guard Kendall Marshall made some great passes during the game, but he did commit 5 turnovers in this one while having five assists. Strickland also had a good game, scoring 10 points and getting the same amount of assists as Marshall had. So, when it’s all said and done we can say that while there is work to be done the nucleous for a great season is evident in all phases of the game. To be noted once more, all these numbers have to look at with a grain of salt, as it was the first game of the season, as well as it was on a ship. The next few games, starting with the one today against UNC Asheville, will show us a lot more about this team.

Well, for all of you that have been waiting to see the top team in the nation begin the long haul that ends up in New Orleans to crown a national champion, today is the beginning of all of this. North Carolina (#1 in both the AP And Coaches Polls) takes on Michigan State (who receives votes in both polls) in what has to be one of the coolest venues ever: an aircraft carrier. The USS Carl Vinson will be the place where the first ever Quicken Loans Carrier Classic will take place, and here you can check out more about the ship that will host the game tonight, with tip off time being 7:00 pm EST (ESPN). And before I say anything about the game let me state that I find it awesome several things. First off that the NCAA is finding a way to celebrate the true heroes of this country of ours, and secondly that private donations are paying for the game, and that all proceeds from the game will help the “Wounded Warrior” and the “Navy-Marina Corps Relief”. For both UNC and MSU this is the first game of the season and probably for all involved it will be one that they will never forget, due to the location of the game.

While Carolina has its entire starting line up coming back, the front court trio being NBA first rounders, let’s not go over board with thinking that the Tar Heels are a lock to win it all. The likes of Kentucky or Ohio State are going to be right there when it’s all said and done and whomever wins it all will have to earn it this season. Yes, there is experience on this team and chemistry, as the team starts two seniors and two juniors, but on the other hand, the main core of this squad will be made up of five sophomores or freshmen. While on the inside we all know that the three starters, Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Harrison Barnes, and the top reserve, James McAdoo, will all be effective in their own way, the outside shooting is still not perfect. This will be the second season for Kendall Marshall at the point, but also the first one where teams had a full season to prepare for him. Why am I saying all of this? Easy enough, let’s not get too far caught up with thinking that this squad is perfect, because it’s just not the case.

One thing that we all must watch is how much sophomore Harrison Barnes has improved from one season ago. Many say that the young man is now a better ball handler and looking to drive more than last year. It will be interesting how he shows up to the first game for Tar Heels. But the one thing that not ever the sophomore All-American swing-man might not be able to stop is the hype that the media will make of him, be it positive or negative. On the other hand I believe that the whole team will have to deal with the spotlight that will be placed on them as they enter the year as the top team in the country and with some many talented players on its roster. Head coach Roy Williams believes that they will be able to deal with it…

“I think they’ll handle it, they don’t have a choice,” North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. “If you want to be good, you have to play well. I think that our guys have been focused and have great challenges in front of them.”

Last year UNC ended the season with a 29-8 record (14-2 in the ACC) taking first place in the conference against heavy favorite Duke and getting to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. The talent is there, we all know that, the comparisons between this squad and the one that won the title in `09 have been made way too many times, and there might not be too many teams that can stop the high flying offense that this team can have. The sophomore point guard might have said it best when he told the media that the worst enemy of this team could be themselves…

“We don’t have many weaknesses,” Marshall said. “But one thing that can become a weakness is if we get complacent. We have to keep that fire and play hard every game, every possession.”

Another thing that could slow down this team is sub par play by the bench. If that was the case the starting line up would be pressured more and more during the season. But in the end, when it’s all said and done, this team could be as good as its X, or best said the deXter strickland factor. As I have stated before, this team has three first rounders in the front court, could have a fourth coming off the bench in McAdoo, they have four starters named to the Wooden Award list, the sole exception being the shooting guard. But Strickland is going to be the man coach Williams will count on for perimeter defense and when Kendall Marshall needs a blog at the point. If the junior can do all of that well on a constant basis this team will elevate itself to a status that maybe many can not think they could.

The Vegas insiders have the line going anywhere from 9.5 to 11.0 points favorites. I see no reason why that Carolina should not win by that much, if not more! It’s going to be a long season for the Tar Heels as they will be the national championship game for many teams, getting the best shot from all they face. Tonight, on a special venue, for a special reason, coach Williams and his team need to make a statement that they will give just as good as they get, and while the Heels are not famous for coming out quickly the first couple of games, I am hoping that playing on the carrier might spark them into a fast start.

As we all know, and I had posted about a while back, this fall one of the games that the Men’s Basketball team will be playing will be on an aircraft carrier against Michigan State on Veteran’s Day. I had not done any follow up to this story due to the family matters that some of you may know, but as I try to get back in the swing of things today, let me share what the people who are running all of this have in mind, with their rendition of what the court on the ship should look like. Frankly, while the fact that the court will be “somewhat protected” from all side is ok, I am still seeing a lot of unknowns in all of this. One thing that I read on an AP article is that Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan would be the captains for this game. But before I go one enjoy the pictures that I found…

One concern I definitely have is that while all of the sides will have protection being on water I still feel that gusts of wind could definitely be a problem in this game. Even more clear is the fact that if it is raining there will be no protection from that whatsoever, and what would be the “plan b” if that was to occur? The thing I am very happy with is that tickets, which will be 750 per school, will not be sold to the public and those lucky enough to get a hold of one will have their name printed on the front of them, so that way there is no way that scalpers (or anyone else) can make a profit on anything. With this game being the first of its kind I am sure if there was a possibility to make a profit plenty would have tried. Mike Whalen, of Morale Entertainment, said the following about the subject…

“It makes sure that the right people are going to the game and that there’s no aftermarket,” Whalen said Monday. “It’s an added measure of security. Again, this is a United States warship. We’ve got to make sure we know who’s coming onboard the ship.”

Could not agree with that more. Very smart move in my opinion. While we know that the game will be in San Diego, it will be a lot closer to the date of the game before the organizers will know which ship will be used for the venue. Interesting tid bit about all of this is that MSU will be playing another game on a Navy Ship the following season and the organizers are planning to get a game between a pair of Women’s teams in either the 2012 or 2013 season.

For those of you that are interested in what could happen weather wise here are some things I found surfing the net…

At the National Weather Service office, there are an average of 43 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1941 with 24.93 inches (63.3 cm) and the driest year was 1953 with 3.23 inches (8.2 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 9.09 inches (23.1 cm) in January 1993. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 3.23 inches (8.2 cm) on April 5, 1926.

San Diego has on average 146 sunny days and 117 partly cloudy days a year. The average annual precipitation is less than 12 inches (300 mm), resulting in a borderline arid climate. Rainfall is strongly concentrated in the cooler half of the year, particularly the months December through March, although precipitation is lower than any other part of the U.S. west coast.

Clipped from: en.wikipedia.org (share this clip)

We have all been going nuts the last twenty-four hours as we begin to think, or should I say fantasize, about the fabolous season that the 2011-12 Men’s Basketball team could have as freshman Harrison Barnes told us that he would be staying. The starting five is all back, every scholarship player, with the exception of Justin Knox, is present and accounted for. There is some serious fire power arriving at Chapel Hill with the in-coming freshman class. I could keep going and going and going, with all positives, with all great things, but there is one thing that maybe no one wants to think about: there is no garuantee that this team will win the national title, or for that matter, any title. I say this because the hype is so absurd right now that it’s almost not fair to the young men on this squad.

Yes, we are going to have a packed team. Yes, we might have a second five that a lot of teams would not mind having as their starting five. Yes, we could be the best team from North Carolina in a while, and if they improve they could be the best ever from Chapel Hill. Yes, yes, yes, to all of that and anything else you can come up with. But, on the other hand, if Kentucky keeps all of their NBA-type players like UNC did and we might have a loss way early in the season. They will face a Duke team that does not want the Tar Heels to be the best squad in the Triangle, let alone in the nation. This squad is going to be the national championship game for tons of opponents this coming season. In other words everyone that will be on the Carolina schedule is going to be pumped up for the game, aka just one game, against the Heels, while coach Williams’ team will have to do it for close to 40 games in a row. That’s no easy chore.

And of course there is the old six games in order to win it all, where match ups are key, skills essential and luck needed. Sure, a good outside shooting this season probably would means that UNC has it’s title now and probably does not have it’s three bigs coming back. The Wildcats shooting like their normal self and John Henson not getting all those fouls means that we are worried about who is going to back up freshmen James McAdoo and Desmond Hubert this season. But the reality of having four front court players that will end up at the next level on this team does not give us a lock for the title in 2012.

I am not saying that this team isn’t going to win it all, what I am trying to point out is that it’s not a sure thing.

As everyone that has either internet access, buys/gets a paper, owns a phone, talks to people that follow college basketball knows by now: Harrison Barnes is coming back to North Carolina for a second season. Yes, let the excitement begin, as people begin to think about the possibilities out there for awards and trophies. The hype is going to be so big that before it elevates too high I want to remind one and all of the fans the following: there is a football team in Chapel Hill. Yes, let’s not make the jubilation of the basketball team detract from the fact that on the gridiron UNC could be pretty good this coming year. It would not be fair to them, as the football players work just as hard as the basketball ones.

I have already discussed the fact that I thought the attendance at the Spring game was definitely not what I like to see. Let’s not turn that into the old “when is basketball starting” discussion at the first bad game or loss that head coach Butch Davis’ team has. Not fair! I know that we all want our basketball team to be in the Top 5 at the beginning of the season and we all want it to be in the Final Four at the end of it. However, I am sure I have heard many times people talking how they wanted to see the football team move up as well. Well, in order for that to happen the fan base needs to care for them just like they do the basketball team.

Am I excited about the freshman coming back? Of course I am, I love seeing the starting five all back, especially when you think about the reality is that three of them (Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Barnes) could all have left for the National Basketball Association and no one could have said it was a bad move. But I am just as excited to see how the new quarterback for coach Davis, sophomore Bryn Renner, will guide the Heels. I can not wait to see how the many defensive players that had to come in last year due to suspension have matured. I want to see if the offense can gel just as well with a new QB and who is going to be the back up to Renner.

Sure, with the basketball team we think of titles, but that does not mean that the football team should not be as hyped. They have great talent, with more coming in, and need just as much support as the hoops squad. Here is my theory for all of us Tar Heels: enjoy the summer, relax as you sit back watching baseball (both college and pro), then let’s geared up for the football season, because it should be a good one. There is plenty of time to scream for the basketball team, but first let’s remember we have other business to take care of, both as a program and as a fan base.

Since I am not sure how to set up this post I will just come out and say it and let you think what you may of it. From what I read on ESPN North Carolina and Michigan State will play one another on Veterans Day. Not much news there you might say, two big time programs going at it pre-conference, True, but the location of the game might be just a bit more newsworthy: since it will be the first ever NCAA basketball game to be played aboard an aircraft carrier. Oh c’mon, you know you want to say it: “we are doomed the way we launch our bombs” (strike the corny joke button here). On the other hand one question does pop up in my mind.

Sure an aircraft carrier is huge and all, plus being docked, it should not be a concern on deck of any moving, but what about the wind? That has to be somewhat of a challenge, especially being on the water and all. With these two teams, UNC being a Top 5 team (without Barnes, probably top in the nation with the young man) and MSU probably being a Top 25 candidate, I am sure neither want to leave it up to mother nature on who wins a game between them. You also have to ponder where the game will be held, with California or Hawaii coming to mind first, but as of right now neither the U.S. Navy nor Morale Entertainment Foundation have said the location to the properly named “Carrier Classic”, while a post on Lost Lettermen says that the venue will take place in San Diego. (EDIT: On Carolina March there is a small blur about the game, where it says that only 7K fans will be allowed in for the game, of that, 1,000 non-military, 500 per each school)

Will also be interesting if the game will be for Navy personnel only or will the general public be allowed. How many people will be able to attend such an event. Another thing, will it be held on the main deck, or will they have it inside of the ship? With all the small problems that the organizers, the U.S. Navy and both schools will face I applaud both universities for accepting this challenge and can not wait to see how well it is hyped and covered by whichever station gets the right to it. Something like this I will not mind seeing commercial after commercial about, since it is a basketball game, but it’s also a way to honor the military! One thing is for certain, I think that both squads will gain a tremendous experience being able to be so close to the men and women that provide our freedom so that we may be able to enjoy college sports (and all the rest as well).

From the “better late than never” category let me be the 1,000th to post about junior Tyler Zeller and sophomore John Henson coming back for another season, and what could probably be another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Below you can read the full press release from Tar Heel Blue (the official web site for UNC Athletics). After it I will give you my thoughts on the two coming back, the chances of freshman Harrison Barnes might join them, and what we can expect because of this. But I have to say that what Henson said I truly loved: “I want to come back to school next year because I enjoy all aspects of being a college student and I truly love being a Tar Heel,” I think that all of us have enjoyed having you as a Tar Heel as well, now for the rest…

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina forwards John Henson and Tyler Zeller will return to college and play basketball for the Tar Heels in 2011-12.

Henson, a sophomore from Tampa, Fla., and Zeller, a junior from Washington, Ind., were each second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selections in 2011.

Freshman forward Harrison Barnes is still reviewing information about the possibility of declaring for the NBA Draft.

“I want to come back to school next year because I enjoy all aspects of being a college student and I truly love being a Tar Heel,” says Henson. “We had a fun and successful season, but we all want to improve on what we accomplished. I know at some point I want to play in the NBA, but right now I want to enjoy my college life. My teammates and coaches are great and I want to help them reach the big dreams we all share.”

“I came to Carolina because it had the balance of academics and basketball I wanted and it was the best place for me to prepare for life and a career in the NBA,” says Zeller. “That’s exactly what we have here. I want to finish my college career, compete for championships and graduate on time. That means a lot to my family and me. Plus, I know I can get stronger and improve my all-around game with another year. We had a great season getting to the Elite Eight, but I would like a chance at going out with another title.”

“John and Tyler certainly considered their options, but in the end it came down to how much they enjoyed not only college basketball, but being part of the collegiate experience both on and off the court,” says head coach Roy Williams. “I spoke to about 10 NBA teams on their behalf and gave them that information, but their individual decisions are less about the NBA and more about what they wanted to do right now and the experiences they are enjoying at the University of North Carolina.

“Harrison is not as far along in his decision-making process as were Tyler and John. I am still gathering information on him from NBA teams and hope to provide him with all of that information by the end of next week.”

First off let me say this, even though some/many will disagree with me: thank you National Basketball Association for putting this lock out so out there that it probably was part of the thought process for both of these young men to come back. The rest is probably a mixture of things, where here we might have to give some props to Tyler Hansbrough, for showing us that staying four years in school is a great thing for some, and then you can still go out and make the money at the next level. And, even if some people might disagree with this, you have the “what if” that a lot of players that make the run at the national title have in the back of their minds.

What if we had beaten Kentucky might be haunting the team, the staff, or maybe just one person, after we all saw what the rest of the tournament was like. This is the chance to erase that what if and bring home another title and put your head coach into a group, three or more national titles, that has but five of his counterparts in it, including arc rival Mike Krzyzkeski.

What does that do for Barnes now? If he is going to check this process out completely I think he is going to find that whether he goes now, does not play due to lock out, or goes next year, his stock isn’t falling. Actually a full year of top notch playing might just put him into that section so few players ever get close to, NPOY! I truly think that for this young man putting his mark on UNC, like many big time players before him, is something that he wants to have. If that is the case I am pretty certain he will be coming back and might just be the missing link to brining home the title in 2012.

Having said all of this, adding Barnes coming back, the hype of the players coming in, if you thought that the anticipation for UNC Football was big last year, wait until Late Night with Roy comes and see what the hype will be about this team. Especially if players from other top programs, like Duke’s Kyrie Irving, decide to leave early.

With Duke losing last night to Arizona the theory that UNC and Duke could be playing for a fourth time this season vanished. And that is just fine with me. Maybe I am old school, maybe I am selfish, but I just do not want to see the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils going at it outside of the Atlantic Coast Conference. It’s our rivalry, and by our I mean both UNC’s and Duke’s as well as the ACC’s, and for the rest of the basketball world to come and watch it, but not be part of it. This game played in the NCAA Tournament, especially at the Final Four, the rivalry would now become everyone’s and I don’t want that to happen, sorry!

I love the fact that UNC and Duke meet up for the last game of the year, as well as another one before that, and might meet up in the ACC Tournament. Anything else would just be too much. Would take away from the rivalry as well as take away from the tournament itself. By all means, do not get me wrong, if it happened it’s not like I would not watch it, but I will just say that I am a lot happier that it has never happened and will keep hoping that it never will. And I know I said this to begin the post, but @GoKTGo posted the web site diddukewin, and so you can go check out the answer there!

Just a quick wrap-up about Beckoning the BCS that was on Tuesday night. I had four great guests that all talked about March Madness, and we surely went over most anything/everything that could be discussed about the Big Dance. The first guest was Clark Nelson (twitter: @ACCSECBlog) from The ACC & SEC Blog and ChuckOliver.net. With Clark it was all about the SouthEastern Conference! After him it was Andrew Rush (@Idiotsonsports) from the Syracuse blog named idiotsonsports. Andrew and myself talked about the Big East and how many teams could actually be going to the Tournament from that conference. After that it was Raphielle Johnson (@RaphielleJ) from CollegeHoops.net, talking about the general basketball scene. And we closed out with Rob Dauster (ballinisahabit), who has a site with the same name.

I have to say that it was a blast interviewing each and every person (from this episode and the ones before), and that they are all a fountain of information when it comes to the college basketball world. Having said that make sure you tune into next week’s episode when CLNS Radio.com and Beckoning the BCS team up to give away a $ 100 VISA Gift Card that can be used anywhere in the U.S. (but we need at least 25 people to call in).

Dick Vitale

On the other hand the other nine teams leave something to desire…

Yes, Duke is number one, which had to be because of the returning players from a national championship, as well as the ones coming in/eligible to play in the upcoming season. I do not like the fact that the Blue Devils are top, but that is more because I am a Heel than anything else. Michigan State, who has a great core and their head coach returning, is second. I would have had them first, but with the tendency of Tom Izzo to get to the promise land but never cut the nets down #2 might even be too high. Purdue is third, and I have no problem with that, while Thad Matta and OSU are fourth, which I find just a bit too high. Rounding out the first five teams is the first squad from the Big East, Villanova. Overall, with all the talent on these teams, you could move them around a bit and no one would truly care, they all have talent, they all have good coaches, they all (with the exception of ‘Nova) have a good shot at a long run in March.

Now it gets tricky in my opinion. The sixth team is Kentucky and the seventh is Syracuse, who both lost a lot and Mr. Vitale is doing the addition by freshman discussion, which I think is fine, but he can not think that what happened to coach Calipari last year can happen over and over, especially in the Salt City where to play there you need to learn that 2-3 zone that is no joke! Next up is Florida, who I am thinking might just take down Kentucky this year, but we shall see, and would have them above the Wildcats and the Orange in this pre-season ranking. Finally, one slot above North Carolina, is Kansas State, and here too, mostly cause I don’t watch them too much, maybe cause I think Dickie V is right, that looks good to me.

So, two ACC teams and two Big East squads in the Top 10. Kentucky in the top positions because of the one and done theory, OSU and MSU capable to be a very good team and many many other tidbits fill up the first ten team of Dick Vitale’s list. Here is my prediction out of all of this: all the teams that will be in the Final Four should come out from the ten squads mentioned by Dick V, going even further, SU or KSU won’t be part of that.