North Carolina's home season began with David Noel putting up a three ball at the buzzer that bounded into the goal just in time for the Heels to squeak by Gardner Webb. The home season ended with Noel burying five three point shots in a 45 point rout of a conference rival, Virginia.
The improvement shown by Noel and his teammates from November to March probably
exceeds anything I have seen in college basketball. Carolina in November
looked like a team that had lost its top seven scorers. The Tar Heels of
March have a legitimate shot at playing in April. What's different?
First, North Carolina has become a team that gets smart play on the perimeter. In a
league where performance by guards has become a sore subject, the Tar Heels have moved up the ACC ladder on the strength of crisp passing and better decision making by the guys in the backcourt. Second, the Tar Heels have power inside. Tyler Hansbrough has been one of the league's two most potent weapons in the paint since December. He now gets help-especially on the boards.
Third, Carolina's forwards have erupted. Noel and Reyshawn Terry are scoring threats from anywhere on the court. Opponents must now defend the post, the perimeter, and two forwards who can score inside or out. Finally, Carolina has made many strides on the defensive end. This is a team that forces turnovers and pressures opponents into poor shots.
The Tar Heel turnabout has much to do with senior leadership, and even more to do with coaching. But that's a story for another day.
