Analyzing the Tar Heels
The Key
Motivation. Falling behind 40-12 in last year’s national semifinal against Kansas was humiliating, especially for former Jayhawks coach Roy Williams. With mostly the same cast returning, will that spook the Tar Heels or spur them?
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The Troublemaker
Opponents don’t game plan for Danny Green — the Heels’ threats are Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Wayne Ellington — but the stat-stuffing 6-6 swingman has length and athleticism that semifinal foe Villanova can’t match.
Why they’ll win it all
Because Carolina has at least five NBA players and one of them, Lawson, runs the most important position on the floor. This has been a tournament of point guards and the best in the nation this year is the 5-11 junior from Clinton, Md.
Why they’ll fall short
Defense. North Carolina is the worst defensive team in this year’s Final Four. On the other side of the bracket are highly-motivated Michigan State (which is playing near home) and Connecticut (which is playing with a persecution complex).
Quote
“You didn’t see our real team tonight, but our real team might have lost by 20. They’re definitely one of the best teams I’ve seen in my 25 years at Michigan State.”
– Michigan State coach Tom Izzo after the Spartans were blasted by Carolina, 98-63, in Detroit, in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, Dec. 8.
