NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
Coach: Roy Williams | Record: 22-7
Overview:
When the national champion loses its top seven
scorers, the natural reaction is to write that team
off. But when that team coalesces into a top ten
squad, as North Carolina has, it turns into one of
the more compelling stories of the year. Roy
Williams has done a masterful job of adapting a
talented group of freshmen to big time basketball
while getting players like Reyshawn Terry to produce
at levels they never hinted at before this season.
Potential Difference Maker: David Noel is on
hand to provide leadership, with freshman Tyler
Hansbrough doing more than his share to make up for
the interior scoring that was handled last season by
the departed Sean May. But the player who can put
this team over the top is another freshman, Danny
Green. His kind of versatility makes him a key
player in Williams' rotation.
On Offense: It’s not real difficult to figure
out what Carolina wants to do. They run motion and
have the best low-post option in America with
Hansbrough. They are also the best at transitioning
into their half court offense. The secondary break
is so good.
On Defense: You can expect man-to-man and a
point zone.
Strength: Their transition game is good and
it’s tough to find an answer for Hansbrough on the
block. Terry is a tough matchup because he can shoot
it and post you up.
Weakness: They have limited depth up front
and tend to have ball-handling issues. You can
pressure them into turnovers.
Key to Success: They have to stay focused and
play to their strengths. Hansbrough needs to get a
lot of touches and freshmen point guard Bobby Frasor
needs to stay aggressive.
How to Beat Them: Take care of the
basketball, double Hansbrough and stop their
transition.
