The ACC #6 seed, North Carolina coming off back-to-back Championship game appearances, has 9 losses headed into ACC Quarterfinal play.
This is the first North Carolina team in a long time that may very well be absent of an NBA first-round draft pick.
An upperclassmen core that has won many big games led by seniors Joel Berry II and Theo Pinson continues to play great offense, currently ranked #4th by Ken Pomeroy.
Last year’s underclassmen, Tony Bradley and Justin Jackson used the National Championship stage to jump to the NBA. Roy Williams has hidden their absence by cycling in ten players in a half. In Brooklyn, 9 of the 10 contributing points to UNC’s slim 32-31 lead over Miami.
North Carolina’s depth along with their pace puts continual pressure on opponents. This is a team with quality perimeter shooting and good passing. Luke Maye has been an inside-out threat.
For the Tarheels to advance in the ACC tournament and make a run deep in the NCAA tournament – it will require an improved defense.
Without a lot of fanfare, this has quietly been, one of Roy Williams best coaching jobs in his UNC career.
The Miami-UNC game is like a heavyweight fight, it will take the last 10 minutes to determine, who is left standing.
