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39, 31, 21.
No, that's not my combination to my safe at home. It's the margins of victory in North Carolina's first three games in the NCAA Tournament.
Yeah, I know it's insane. And while some might see it as reason to worry once the Tar Heels come up against a formidable opponent (which will likely be Louisville in the Elite 8), I see it as just another reason why UNC will win its second title in three years.
As someone who witnessed the school's last champion in 2005 as a UNC student and sports reporter for the school's newspaper, I can confidently say all the ingredients are once again there to cut down the nets.
They've shown the resolve, saying they have a killer instinct might be an understatement, and the weapons are eerily similar to the last champs.
Back then, there was a peaking big man who owned the paint in Sean May. Now, there's Tyler Hansbrough.
In 2005, there was a speedy, playmaking point guard named Raymond Felton. Now, there's Ty Lawson.
Also, there was a silky smooth shooter in Rashad McCants. Now, there's Wayne Ellington.
On top of that, there was a sixth man who could and would start on 99 percent on the rest of the tournament teams in Marvin Williams. Now, there's Danny Green.
And you can't forget the do-it-all hustler and defender in David Noel. Now, there's Marcus Ginyard.
Oh yeah, they also had a wise, fiery coach named Roy Williams. Now, there's...Roy Williams.
Speaking of Roy, he's actually the one factor that worries me the most. Should UNC face Kansas in the Final Four, it would be the worst nightmare for this emotional coach who isn't that far removed from jilting the school that gave him his first chance as a head coach. Granted, Roy won't be on the floor playing, but you've got to wonder how much that media firestorm could distract the team.
Judging by the polls and expert picks, I'm sure most of you agree with the notion that UNC will win it all, so consider this a vote of confidence or encouragement that if you picked the Tar Heels, your busted bracket might not look so bad in the end.
- bparker's blog
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I'm a UNC fan, as well as, my husband, 2 teen sons, and teen daughter. As happy as we have been with UNC's wins in the NCAA Tournament...we are quite disappointed that we only have gotten to see a small portion of them on CBS before they switch us to some other game. After holding Tyler to 2 points in the 1st half last night, we were excited to see Psycho T come out in the 2nd half and and go...well...PSYCHO. But of course, CBS chose to switch to another game instead. VERY DISSAPPOINTING!
While 3 of the 5 of us picked UNC to win it all (1 son picked Memphis and our daughter picked Duke) we are holding off on celebrations as of now. While UNC is playing great basketball, they have some very formidable opponents ahead of them.
Louisville will be a tough match and the only reason it makes me happy is because most likely we will get to watch the whole game. LOL There won't be a slaughter by either team this round. It will be one tough match up.
We're just hoping the ball keeps falling through the hoop for us and that none of our players take this opportune time to go on a cold streak like in the 1st game against Duke. Wouldn't it be great to see the four #1 teams in the Final 4?? It would be a first!
As for ole Roy, I wouldn't worry about him too much, he has his eye on the prize, too!