University of North Carolina Athletics
For Heels, Clinic the Perfect Remedy
January 4, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 4, 2004
By Adam Lucas
Sunday afternoon on the Smith Center court, Raymond Felton dribbled into the paint, evaluated his options, and threw a horrendous pass that whistled out of bounds, well out of the reach of any of his teammates.
His response?
A huge smile. "That's a turnover on me," he cheerfully acknowledged. "Let's go, defense."
The Tar Heels took part in another imported Roy Williams tradition Sunday afternoon, spending two hours with nearly 100 Special Olympians from 22 North Carolina counties. At first glance, it seemed like awkward timing, since Saturday's 61-56 defeat to Kentucky was still fresh. As it turned out, however, it might have been the perfect way for both the players and the coaches to recharge their batteries as they approach the Atlantic Coast Conference season. There will be time to correct some of the mistakes that happened Saturday against the Wildcats. Sunday was simply a time to remember that basketball--and life as a Tar Heel--is supposed to be fun.
Carolina's regular postgame routine includes a reminder from Williams--who is fond of remarking that he wants to build a program, not just a team--to the players that they are extremely fortunate to have the abilities and privileges that they enjoy as UNC basketball players. Sunday afternoon, they got first-hand examples from the Special Olympians, all of whom seemed thrilled to simply be in the same building with some of the players they've watched so often on television. When the campers were divided into smaller groups and sent to stations to work with Carolina players, the group assigned to Sean May was informed their instructor would be May.
"Sean May!" they responded with wild applause and cheers, prompting a toothy grin from the UNC big man.
It was that kind of afternoon, the kind where everyone in attendance had trouble hiding their smiles. At one point, a girl in Jawad Williams's group got hot from the outside, nailing four consecutive three-pointers.
Roy Williams, who had just rotated over to observe that group, boisterously called to a handful of observers watching from the sideline. "Hey!" he shouted, looking like he had absolutely no other concerns in the world besides the Olympian's shooting streak. "Look at this! She's hit four in a row!"
"The athletes have been excited ever since they gathered outside the Smith Center front gate," said Keith Fishburne, the president of Special Olympics North Carolina who was contacted by Williams shortly after he accepted the job in April. "It's a real honor for all of us."
The campers had fun, but there were times it looked like the Tar Heel players might be getting even more enjoyment out of the afternoon. After going through some fundamental drills, the Special Olympians were divided up into teams--selected by the players, who bestowed official practice jerseys on each of their players as they picked them--to play in scrimmages with the Heels.
Two or three players were combined with two or three Olympians on each team, with the Carolina players serving primarily as passers and screeners. At one point, Joe Holladay--who served as a dubious official at his basket, frequently missing calls on purpose and delighting in the reaction of his players--encouraged Jawad Williams to shoot when left wide open. "Nah, Coach," Williams said. "I don't want to. I'd rather pass to these guys."
The Carolina junior, as he has frequently done during the various community activities the Heels have done this season, went well beyond the minimum that was required of him. Within minutes of each drill, both he and senior Jonathan Miller were on a first-name basis with each of their charges, and at one point when taking the floor Williams told one Olympian, "Remember, I'm going to screen for you and you shoot it up there."
The games went on for nearly an hour, with most of the Heels registering no stats other than assists--except for Melvin Scott, who picked up a good-natured blocked shot that drew boos from his teammates. "That's the Baltimore in him," referee Holladay said. "Can't give anybody anything."
What both groups seemed to give each other, though, was a memorable day. When the campers were allowed to get autographs, one of them approached Roy Williams and without prompting told the Carolina coach, "Thanks so much for helping us. You made my dream come true."
The good feelings were mutual. "It brings a smile to your face," said Rashad McCants, who when asked to pick a player for his team pointedly selected the smallest player in attendance out of almost 100.
As the autograph session was coming to a close, one shy Special Olympian approached freshman Reyshawn Terry, who invariably delights kids with his enthusiasm.
"Hey, Brian," the rookie said to the autograph seeker, whom he remembered from an earlier drill. "Did you have a good time?"
"Yes," Brian said with a smile. "Did you?"
Terry appeared to think about the question for just a minute. Then he grabbed Brian's poster, applied his autograph, and gave the newest Tar Heel fan a big smile.
"Man, I had a great time."
Adam Lucas is the publisher of Tar Heel Monthly and can be reached at alucas@tarheelmonthly.com. To subscribe to Tar Heel Monthly, click here.
