University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heel Rundown: January 7
January 7, 2014 | General
Basketball
A unique look at the in-game communication between Tar Heel coaches and players, with some behind the scenes perspective...There's a three-game ACC ticket package at the Smith Center that looks like a good deal...If you ever need to understand how much beating Carolina means to fans and members of opposing teams, this story is a good reminder. That's why that effort and intensity Roy Williams keeps talking about is so important...
There's a basketball notebook coming later this morning, so check back around 11 a.m...Meant to include this yesterday--this Tokoto dunk goes on his season highlight reel, which will be an impressive one:
Tar Heels in the NBA
The improving Tyler Zeller should see increased minutes with the impending departure of Andrew Bynum from Cleveland...This is an interesting look at John Henson's offensive numbers, including the continuation of a quirk that surfaced at UNC--he looks more comfortable shooting lefty than righty, but he's a righty...Henson, by the way, hopes to be back this weekend...
Antawn Jamison had 10 points and five rebounds in a Clippers win last night...When you become the starting point guard for the Lakers, suddenly even Yahoo is interested. They did a feature on Marshall's Instagram game, and say, that kid in the fourth photo looks familiar...Speaking of Marshall, this was an interesting quote from Roy Williams last night on his radio show:
Think UNC connection doesn't matter? Roy W: "I talked to Mitch (Kupchak) when the Lakers were deciding whether to pick Kendall up." #family
— Adam Lucas (@jadamlucas) January 7, 2014
Football
Ryan Switzer was named an FWAA Freshman All-America...And the CFPA Punt Returner of the Year...A thorough examination of another possible option for Julius Peppers and the Bears...If you missed this last night during the BCS title game, it's a terrific way to watch the game and well worth setting the DVR. Love seeing the coaches break down the film as it happens:
Tonight's BCS Film Room coverage on ESPN News (featuring the coaches and all-22) will re-air Tues. at 4pm ET on ESPNU.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 7, 2014
By the way, if you feel like you remember Jameis Winston even though Carolina has never faced him on the football field, think back to this game at Boshamer Stadium on May 20...Fresh off the BCS championship game, here's Mark Schlabach's top 25 for 2014, which ranks Carolina 17th. That's the second-highest ranking in the ACC, trailing only the champion Seminoles.
Olympic sports
Congratulations to UNC administrator Karlton Creech, who is the new athletic director at Maine...The softball team opened practice in very chilly Chapel Hill yesterday...Men's lacrosse will start the season ranked third nationally in one poll.
Today's games
None.
Today in Tar Heel history
Jan. 7, 1989: This game was a loss, but it is included here for the sole purpose of reminding you, since everyone seems to have forgotten, that the wrong player shot crucial free throws for the Hawkeyes at the end of their 98-97 win at the Smith Center. Yes, it really happened, not that anyone is still bitter.
Long read
Lots of great memories (and videos) in this look back at 20 years--even a recruiting tidbit or two--of following Vince Carter.
