North Carolina melted like snow in Hawaii. The Tar Heels led Georgetown by 10 with 7:19 to play and it looked like Atlanta was the destination. But when Carolina turned into a jump shooting team, something they are not, misses led to Georgetown opportunities and they cashed it in BIG TIME. The Hoyas outscored the Heels 31-9 after that 7:19 mark. Marcus Ginyard said the Heels were out there waiting for time to expire rather than executing during money time. As a result, the Heels leave New Jersey with tear stained cheeks and yes that includes Coach Roy Williams who is famous for his tearful ends to a season. Coach Williams said there are a lot of folks who like to see Ol’ Roy cry at the end of the year but “no sucker has had the guts to tell me that to my face.”
Losses like this should hurt, should sting, should be a lesson. What’s unknown is who will be back for class next year? Ty Lawson said he’ll be back. Brandan Wright will sit with Coach Williams before making his decision. Tyler Hansbrough says he hasn’t given it any thought but did tell ESPN he’s a 4 year guy. He loves the college life. Don’t believe what you hear now…we’ll just wait and see.
Blood is thicker than objectivity. When Tyler Hansbrough went to the foul line in overtime, I looked down at former Georgetown coach John Thompson, who was a part of the radio broadcast of the game for Westwood One. Coach Thompson looked like he was coaching again. With elbows extended, Thompson was telling Hoya star Jeff Green…”you gotta box out…gotta box out!!!” That’s a tough position for a broadcaster/father to be in. His son, John Thompson III had the Hoyas on the verge of the Final 4 and ultimately Georgetown would punch their ticket to college basketball’s biggest showcase for the first time since 1985. Carolina’s bid for their 17th trip ends with a stunner.
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