2007-2008 ACC Team Preview #9

North Carolina Tar Heels

The Coaches' Preseason Poll #1 and reigning ACC Champions (ACC Tournament and tied for regular season) hope to fulfill extremely high expections this season as they return several key starters from a team that went to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament last year. Although they lost forward Bradon Wright to the NBA, Player of the Year candidate Tyler Hansbrough decided to remain in school for his junior season. With amazing depth at all positions and several All-American candidates, nothing short of an NCAA title this season will satisfy the Carolina faithful. What's scary is that UNC only has one senior with any meaningful playing time and all of this year's team could return next year.

Key Losses: Wright was the biggest loss in terms of scoring and potential. The lanky forward was chosen #8 overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. The Tar Heels will miss Wright's 14.7 points a game and 6.2 rebounds, as he finished 2nd on the team in both categories last season behind Hansbrough. In terms of leadership, North Carolina lost senior Reyshawn Terry to eligibility although he was drafted #44 overall by the Orlando Magic in the NBA draft. While averaging nearly 10 points a game and 5.4 rebounds, Terry seemed to have a knack for athletic defensive plays that would always stir his team and the crowd into a frenzy. Not to mention he was a snazzy dancer. UNC also lost key reserve and fellow snazzy dancer Wes Miller to graduation (warning on the vid: there are loudly screaming female Wes Miller fans). Miller, while only scoring 2.5 points a game, provided valuable minutes in order to rest Ty Lawson and Bobby Frasor. Plus, Miller was capable of knocking down clutch threes at any time.
(31% of scoring, 29% of rebounding, 21% of assists).

New Additions: Although not likely a key player, forward Will Graves becomes active after a redshirt season. He has the potential to play multiple positions and has the size (6'6", 245 lbs) to provide rebounding help from the wing.

Projected Lineup:
PG - Ty Lawson (5'11", So.)
SG - Wayne Ellington (6'4", So.)
SF - Marcus Ginyard (6'5", Jr.)
PF - Deon Thompson (6'8", So.)
C - Tyler Hansbrough (6'9", Jr.)
Note: this lineup depends on how Coach Roy Williams utilizes Alex Stepheson and Thompson. Williams could go with a more defensive lineup with Hansbrough at PF and Stepheson at C.

Key Reserves:
PF/C - Alex Stepheson (6'9", So.)
PG/SG - Bobby Frasor (6'3", Jr.)
SG/SF - Danny Green (6'5", Jr.)
PG - Quentin Thomas (6'3", Sr.)

Outlook: As long as Ole' Roy keeps convincing McDonald's All-Americans to come to Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels will continue to compete for ACC and NCAA titles. This team is absolutely loaded with depth and athleticism. This makes the team very flexible so that they can play any style. With Preseason Wooden Award candidates Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough, this team should make a deep run into March. What's scary is that UNC only has one senior with any meaningful playing time and all of this year's starters could potentially return next season. Will they be playing for back-to-back NCAA titles in 2007-2008? UNC will be very difficult to defend with guards Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Ginyard, and Danny Green providing scoring from outside and inside the arc. But the key to Carolina's season will likely be the development of Stepheson and Thompson. If they are able to take away the constant double teams Hansbrough will see this year, Carolina should be favored to win it all this year. The Tar Heels have early season tests at Ohio State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge and then play at Kentucky a few days later. Responding with wins at both schools will ready them for their run for the title.

Prediction: 14-2 Finish, 1st in ACC; 29-2 Overall.

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