Roy Williams Tar Heels Streaking Towards March Madness

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Coming into the season, with heralded freshman Harrison Barnes, the North Carolina Tar Heels (22-6, 12-2) were hit with the No. 9 preseason ranking.

Two games in, frosh Barnes started to hear mumbles over uncertainty after going 0-12 from the field against Minnesota, and followed up with a 4-12 shooting performance against Vandy.

Many suspected this Tar Heels squad to turn in another effort similar to a season before where they missed on the big dance.

That notion was soon threw out and North Carolina is now in position to win the ACC regular season title after Virginia Tech defeated Duke and the 'Heels took care of business against Maryland 87-76.

If won, North Carolina would have four of the last five ACC regular season championships.

"I've just preached the whole year, let's just try to do everything we can do to get better," said head coach Roy Williams.

It's time to give credit where credit is due. Coach Williams has turned this young North Carolina team into a contender mid-season when some much turmoil surrounded the program.

Earlier this season, if I would have told some North Carolina would be tied with the Duke Blue Devils (26-3, 12-2) to potentially win the ACC regular season title they wouldn't buy it. But, North Carolina has done a good job of proving its doubters wrong.

Every since Kendall Marshall took over the duties in the backcourt, North Carolina has been on a roll losing one game on the road to rival Duke.

"We have a chance to win the ACC's," Marshall said after a good win against Maryland. "We've got to take it one game at a time. I think we did a good job today coming out playing."

The finishing push might be the most difficult in the conference, however. North Carolina will travel to take on the Florida State Seminoles (20-8, 10-4), who will be without their superstar Chris Singleton.

Three days later, the 'Heels will return home to take on Duke for a possible first-place showdown in one of the best rivalries in college basketball.

Coach Williams said that he likes his players to have big goals and dreams but the only way to accomplish them is stay extremely focused. But in the words of freshman guard Marshall, the 'Heels have to take it "one game at a time."

If the 'Heels hope to win the ACC title many things have to go right in the last two games.

With a lot of size in the frontcourt with both Tyler Zeller and John Henson, North Carolina is the number one rebounding team in the nation.

"That's a pretty good combination when it's seven foot and 6'10''," said Maryland head coach Gary Williams following their loss to North Carolina. "And you know, there's some NBA teams who would like to have that size up front."

Henson pulls down 9.3 boards to go along with 7.3 by Zeller. Their contribution has helped the 'Heels become the nations best rebounding team pulling in 42.6 per game. Additionally, North Carolina also pulls in a nations best 28.7 rebounds on the defensive end of the ball.
 
The 'Heels should take care of business at Florida State and set up a huge matchup against rivals Duke. In the first game against Duke, North Carolina led early due to it's ability to crash the boards and get east points inside.

That is something that North Carolina will certainly utilize as well as their home court advantage. The 'Heels haven't lost a game at home this whole season.

The 'Heels certainly control their own destiny. If North Carolina wants to win another ACC regular season title it's up to the 'Heels to win games.

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Still Plenty to Prove for Young Tar Heels

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The North Carolina Tar Heels (19-6, 9-2) have went from NCAA laughing stock to potential contenders in the tournament.

Coach Roy Williams made a decision to start freshman Kendall Marshall in the backcourt opposed to Larry Drew II, which has lead the 'Heels to a 7-1 record with Marshall as the starter.

Highly-touted freshman Harrison Barnes has resurfaced as one of the top newcomers in the game. Barnes is averaging 17.5 points and 5.7 rebounds with Marshall as the starter.

The 'Heels have moved from un-ranked to continue to claw at the top 25 polls.

Will this be good enough to beat the Ohio State's, Texas', Kansas' and many other College Basketball powerhouses?

This is the question looming as the season progresses for North Carolina.

The 'Heels have faced formidable competition all season has shown the ability to compete with the best. North Carolina played both Duke, and Texas and dropped both games by a combined total of eight points. Minded, both are top five teams in the polls.

North Carolina just finished their tough stretch of 4-games in 10 days, 3-1 with the only loss coming at Duke. "Everyone has talked so much about that four game stretch [in 10 days.]," said coach Williams following their win against Wake Forest.

"I believe out guys  thought that was a mountain they could not climb because we were so happy about trying to climb that mountain that we forgot to have our intelligence and intensity level as much as we needed it tonight."

The way North Carolina has played thus far in ACC play, their isn't a reason to believe the 'Heels cannot compete against the elite in the NCAA tournament.

North Carolina has one of the best coaches in the game, along with an improving roster that gets better by the game, and an improving superstar in Tyler Zeller.

Their core of players featuring Barnes, Zeller, Marshall and John Henson should take them along way in the tournament.

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Kendall Marshall Has North Carolina on the Right Track

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Earlier this season, all the talk surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels (17-5, 7-1) was Harrison Barnes inability to live up to his AP Pre-Season All-American tag.

The lack of solid point guard play didn't aid the Tar Heels well knocking them out the top 25 rather earlier than expected.

Nonetheless, the 'Heels have returned to both polls and are re-emerging as a basketball power.

Before the season started, Larry Drew II was the starter for North Carolina with Kendall Marshall playing the backup role.

After the 'Heels loss to Georgia Tech, coach Roy Williams inserted Marshall in the starting lineup and since then the 'Heels haven't loss anything besides their backup Drew II.

Drew II opted to transfer after losing his starting role to Marshall.

Despite losing a formidable guard, Marshall has North Carolina fans saying, "Drew who?"

As a starter, Marshall has averaged 6.2 points and 6.6 assist per game, including a 16 assist effort in the 'Heels most recent win over Florida State.

"I saw it on the board--I mean, they said freshman assist record so I thought that was big for him confidence-wise," said John Henson on Marshall's freshman record for assist.

"It's a good feeling," said Marshall. "Harrison told me that after the game. He looked up at the scoreboard and looked at me and told me I just set the record," said Marshall about knowing about his record setting performance.

His stats do not do him any justice. His progression since joining the starting lineup has allowed North Carolina to be a lot more productive.

Barnes has seen his stats skyrocket with Marshall as the starter averaging 18.8 points, and 6.2 rebounds on 59 percent shooting.

Henson has averaged 13.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. The list could go on.

Marshall stepped up big time for the 'Heels. His contributions and leadership is the main reason this North Carolina team is able to breath fresh air again.

It was just last month when the 'Heels were blew away by 20 on the road against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-12, 3-6). Now the 'Heels have the chance to overtake Duke as the No. 1 team in the ACC conference on Wednesday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The 'Heels are back on track and frosh Barnes seems to be energized with the emergence of Marshall. If one thing is worth noting, it's that the North Carolina Tar Heels are back!

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Harrison Barnes: Will He Ever Live Up to the Hype?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

I've seen unusual slumps watching College Basketball but none more interesting than the one in Raleigh.

Harrison Barnes, a 6-foot-7 freshman, at the age of 18 was the only kid his age to every be dubbed an AP Preseason All-American.

He was also rated the No. 1 recruit in the 2010 recruiting class that produced players such as Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight, Jared Sullinger, and Terrence Jones.

Many people were prepping for a Carmelo Anthony-like run, and compared Barnes to the most clutch player in the game, Kobe Bryant.

Thus far, Barnes hasn't surpassed the 20-point mark and has one double-double on the season.

Many tend to point the finger at the lack of veteran leader. Similar to football, the chances of you winning without a veteran quarterback are slim.

Early-on in the season, critics hit Barnes hard with overrated tags, and even heard the chant as he shot free-throws against Illinois.

Coach Roy Williams often defended his highly-touted freshmen saying "If you've got enough [gumption] to make somebody a big hero like that, admit that you were wrong, and stop picking on the kid," referring to ESPN's hypocritical analysis on the freshman.

"It's silly if you're going to anoint the guy and three weeks later crucify him, that's ridiculous. He didn't ask to be voted first-team pre-season All-American."

Throughout this whole process, impressively, Barnes has ignored the critics, steadily improved and could be on the road to redemption.

In the North Carolina Tar Heels (13-5, 3-1 ACC) most recent game, Barnes nailed a three to put the 'Heels up late, and also nailed the game winner to keep North Carolina a perfect 55-0 at home against Clemson.

During ACC play, Barnes has stepped up in key situations in all games. More impressively, Barnes scored 10 of his 12 points with 10-minutes left to play to help the 'Heels rally back and hand the Hokies their second loss of ACC play.

Lately, Kendall Marshall has stepped up and continues to improve. He currently averaged 5.5 assist per game during conference play in 20-minutes of action.

Not to mention, Marshall has improved his assist-to-turnover ratio to 3.23 during conference play. With Marshall taking over the starting role, I expect Barnes to be more productive on both ends of the floor.

Going back to what I said earlier, the chances of you winning without a veteran leader are slim. Barnes is a gifted player, by all means, but you can't expect him to be spectacular when the point guard doesn't play his role.

Marshall isn't a veteran leader, just yet, but he's a nice compliment to a five-star forward like Barnes.

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Freshman Tar Heel Kendall Marshall Could Retain the Starting Job

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

During his first year with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Larry Drew III was used lightly. He played behind Tar Heel great Ty Lawson, and watched North Carolina bring a National Championship to Chapel Hill.

Last season, Drew got his first crack at the starting lineup. He didn't disappoint, and came up with some stellar statistics. He ended the year with 8.5 points, 5.9 assist, 2.7 rebounds, and shot 35 percent from three.

However, Drew did turn the ball over 3.2 times a game, which contributed to the lack of success for the Tar Heels last season.

With the College Basketball season approaching the Tar Heels are ready to showcase their talented freshman acquired in the 2010 recruiting class.

Freshman Harrison Barnes is already conceived to be one of the best players in the nation, and help the Heels' right away. Not to mention, sure-handed Kendall Marshall could crack the starting lineup, and help right away as well.

Marshall was nabbed as a McDonald's All-American player out of his school. He was one of the better point guards in High School because he was a complete floor general. He controls the game, makes the right plays, and doesn't force the action.

Marshall is a point guard that could jump right in and impress Head Coach Roy Williams. He makes the right pass and sets his teammates up for success.

Not to mention, he penetrates the lane with the intention to dump it down as the defense collapses. He has a great lefty stroke and could set up and dominate the game with his jump shot.  

Marshall could be the player the Heels' need to lead their offense. He has the true feel for the guard position, a playmaker, utilizes the whole floor on offense, and has the mentality to win.

Drew's starting job could be in jeopardy with Marshall on the roster. Regardless who starts, the Heels' guard play will be a lot better than it was a season ago.

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The Loss of Will Graves Put The Tarheels a Step Back

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The North Carolina Tarheels had one of the worst seasons in their storied history. They battled injuries, inconsistency, and lack of effort. However, the Tarheels did put enough effort into the recruiting trails, and grabbed some of the better players in the 2010 class.


McDonald All-Americans Harrison Barnes, Kendall Marshall, and Reggie Bullock collectively are one of the most dynamic freshman trio's in all of College Basketball. 


Nonetheless, since arriving the freshman have watched the Wear twins transfer, and Will Graves dismissed from the team.


The Wear twins put a lot of pressure on the frontcourt to produce consistently. Not to mention, they're frontcourt is resting solely on injury-prone Tyler Zeller.


Now, with Graves out of the lineup the Tarheels are missing their scoring off the bench, and three-point shooting. Last season, Graves was a completely different player than we had all seen before. He went from hitting 29 three-point field goals in his first two season to knocking down 73 last year.


"He worked extremely hard this summer to get himself physically in the best shape he's been in years," said North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams. 


The Tarheels continue to lose depth on their current roster. Without Graves, the Tarheels are down to three forwards, and one plays on the wing.


Graves hurt the depth, bench production and rotation of the Tarheels. It's not a huge loss, but it does show its significance. As you can see, Coach Williams thought highly of the senior and wanted him on the team.


Nonetheless, without Graves the Tarheels will have a tough time and the rumor of Barnes playing in the post may look clearer now. 


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Can North Carolina Recapture The Spotlight?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Chris Keane/Getty Images

The North Carolina Tar Heels grasped an unacceptable season last year. They commenced the season ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 4 according to the ESPN/USA Today Coaching Poll.

By the tenth week of College Basketball, the Tar Heels were No. 23 and 24 in the polls.

By the eleventh week they were dropped out of the top 25 and the Tar Heels continued to dissatisfy their fan base. Then when you figure things couldn't get any worse, Ed Davis breaks his hand.

The Tar Heels finally ended their forgetful season with a loss in the NIT Championship.

Although, they were the first team to reach the NCAA Final Four the year before; then turn around and make the NIT Final Four.

Last season, their disguise as contenders wore off pretty fast. However, next season, thing will be a lot different.

First off, Roy Williams delivered this roster a makeover. Three McDonald's All-Americans determined they wanted to attend the University of North Carolina. Now, with that, the Tar Heels are on their way to redemption.

That doesn't necessarily imply they will be procured right back into the nations spotlight either. 

They'll have to reclaim their spot as a National contender.

First, the Tar Heels need to play Harrison Barnes to his full ability.

Bringing in the No. 1 rated player in the nation was certainly tough on the Tar Heels. However, they were able to do it. Barnes is a one-and-done caliber player. He does just about anything he wants on the court.

The only thing I would say he needs to embellish, is his jump-shot range and add bulk to his frame.

Other than that, Barnes should be facilitated for almost everything. You can put him in the post, on the wing or in the backcourt.

Utilizing a player of his caliber is beneficial. Because, at the end of the season, he will be NBA bait.

Secondly, the 'Heels need to stay healthy in the frontcourt.

The Tar Heels frontcourt wouldn't be a problem if the Wear Twins didn't transferred. Now they're stuck in a situation that isn't favoring them.

They'll have John Henson and Tyler Zeller in the frontcourt. Who will be behind them? That's a question the Tar Heels will have to ignore for most of the season. They'll have to depend on Zeller and Henson to stay dominant in the frontcourt.

However, since acquiring Zeller back in 08' he has yet to close a season without injuring himself. So staying healthy in the frontcourt is imperative for the Tar Heels.

Thirdly, the 'Heels need John Henson to step up.

Last season, John Henson was considered to be one of the best frontier players in the 2009 recruiting class. However, you wouldn't be able to tell, because for most of the season, he was implemented very lightly.

Now, with Ed Davis and Deon Thompson gone, Henson will have his chance to be a dominant frontier force.

He has shown great promise in the NC Pro Am this past week but should use that as motivation to get on the court and prove to the fans that he is dominant down-low.

Lastly, the 'Heels will need Larry Drew III to lead the team.

So, I know you're probably wondering why the Tar Heels would need Drew to lead the team with three McDonald's All Americans. Not to mention, a guard like Kendall Marshall that could overtake his responsibilities in the backcourt.

However, Drew, a junior-to-be at UNC, had been there when the Tar Heels won the National Championship.

As a freshman on the title team, he contributed about ten minutes a game. While embracing a great learning experience behind the Tar Heel great Ty Lawson.

Last season, his assist total went up and he started to serve as an all-around guard.

That's exactly what the Tar Heels expect in the backcourt. Drew will have to use his experience and leadership skills to enlighten this young team.

Overall, I assume they can recapture the spotlight as a National contender. With such a young but talented squad, they'll demand extensive contributions from their experienced players.

I think the deed will be granted and the 'Heels will be dancing again in Chapel Hill. Not just dancing, but advancing through the NCAA tournament.

Collegiate Hoops: Coaches With Something to Prove

Roy Williams, North Carolina

I get that repeating is hard, especially when you lost someone with arguably the best collegiate career in Tyler Hansbrough.

However, after two straight Final Four appearances, an NIT bid isn't good enough for the fans in North Carolina.

The Tarheels 2009-2010 campaign was definetely one to be forgotten. A 10-6 conference record is the worst since Williams' first year in 2002.

This type of season shouldn't be happening with the amount of talent they have on the roster. The more I look at it, the more confident I become with their ability to bounce back.

Tim Floyd, UTEP

After all of the sanctions coming about at USC with O.J. Mayo, Floyd is getting a new chance at Texas El Paso.

While he was successful at USC, hoisting an 85-50 record, USC vacated all of its 2007-2008 wins because of Mayo's ineligibility.

UTEP took a huge risk in hiring him after that controversy. This season won't be the telling point for the rest of his career, but he does have something to prove the next couple seasons.

Tom Crean, Indiana

After losing every player with collegiate experience on the team except for Kyle Taber, Crean knew he was in for a tough ride back to the top. Former coach, Kelvin Sampson's actions turn the once proud program into a mediocre one. However, Crean took the position, expecting to turn this team around.

And now, two years into his tenure, Crean posts 16-46 record which is the worst over a two year span ever 

at Indiana University.

While IU fans are giving him some leaniency for the situation that he was brought into, he needs to get them at least back to .500 or his job could be in the air.

Jim Calhoun, UCONN

I realize that he wasn't there for part of last season, but an 18-16 record is definetely not good enough for Connecticut.

Also, this offseason he admitted to NCAA recruiting violations.

This upcoming campaign is a big one for the Huskies, as they need to bounce back from last season's mediocre performance.

Originally Written by Collin O'Connor on Bleacher Report

Collegiate Hoops: Top Ten Active College Basketball Coaches

The college game displays some of the best teams in the nation. But there are a lot of people that overlook how much the coaches mean to the success.

Just ask Michigan State right now. They're on the brink of losing Tom Izzo to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could show just how much the guys on the sideline play a huge part.

These ten coaches are conceived as the most influential, smartest, toughest, and successful people on the sideline.

Ten isn't really enough but here are the top ten
coaches in the NCAA right now. (Hint: heading into next season.)

10. Jim Calhoun

Last year the Huskies' weren't horrible, but they were far from good.

When Calhoun left for health reasons; UConn's season left right with him.

Calhoun has won titles in the past before. He is known to play in the big games and just a few years back his Huskies' were on the brink of National Championship.

You can't tell me that he isn't still a good coach. He develops his players really well, and I can prove that by looking at the NBA talent he produces. Not to mention, his Huskies' always find a way to bounce back after poor seasons.

Calhoun has acquired a decent recruiting class that highlights one ESPNU top 100 recruit and the rest are all solid but graded above 90.

9. Bruce Pearl

I don't believe there is a more optimistic coach on this list than Bruce Pearl. He is a mastermind when you think of basketball.

Dating back to mid-season, the Volunteers lost four-of-five starters and had to play walk-ons against heavily favorite KU. However, with those walk-ons, Pearl was able to lead his team to victory.

Showing you he can out-coach the other coaches in this league.

He also established a new trend at Tennessee. It seems like every year, Pearl has been able to guide his Volunteers to the Elite Eight. Despite the loss to Tom Izzo's Spartans, Pearl is a great coach and no doubt his team will get back after it next season.

8. Roy Williams

After losing so much talent to the NBA, Roy Williams logged one of the worst seasons in his coaching career. Since this list is based on the top ten coaches heading into next season, Williams is here. However, if it was to rank the top coaches from last year, I don't think he would be mentioned.

However, Williams and newly acquired recruit Harrison Barnes are going to do whatever it takes to erase that memory.

Williams is still a great coach and now that he surrounded himself with elite talent, he'll be able to once again show how powerful his coaching skills are.

Something is telling me that Williams is going to have this team at the top of the ACC and competing with the title favorite Duke.

7. Jim Boeheim

Hanging on the theorem, "team-defense," Jim Boeheim has been nabbed as one of the better coaches in all of college basketball. He was able to turn an average roster with one superstar talent, into competitors and the Coach of the Year award was well deserved.

After being placed so far in the top 25 in the pre-season poll last year and still being able to reach the No. 1 ranking in the same season, says a lot about the coach.

He is much respected around the college basketball community and has his Syracuse Orange thinking potential next season.

Throughout his career as a coach, Boeheim has put the pieces together for a legendary resume. As a result, he may be in the basketball Hall of Fame one day. He is one of the coaches with the best winning percentage, out of all the other experienced coaches in the league.

6. Billy Donavan

Billy Donavan has always been a great coach. He has had the ability to cut down the nets twice with the same nucleus of players. He has a substantial say over most of his players, and that is a good thing for Florida fans.

This off-season, Donavan, made some moves to bolster his roster and now Florida is looking like a contender after the returnees, and recruits they landed.

He acquired two ESPNU top 100 players, one in which is a McDonalds All-American. Two other forwards and a point guard.

You can't tell me the Gators aren't restoring their image as a powerhouse in basketball.

With Donavan at the helm, I can envision a much better season on the way for the Gators.


5. John Calipari

I've met a lot of anti-John Calipari fans in my life. Most people hate the fact that he gets away with infractions, but I simply believe that everybody is jealous of his recruiting ability.

I don't care what you have to say, Calipari is the best recruiting coach in the NCAA. He has strung together some impressive freshman classes, and look at last season's team. That is arguably the best freshman class college basketball has ever seen.

Calipari has the ability to get to the tournament consistently and it isn't really a problem considering the talent he acquires in the off-season. One thing that is notable; John Calipari produces some of the finest guards. John Wall, Derrick Rose, and Tyreke Evans are all going to or already have impact the NBA.


4. Bill Self

After a terrible loss to the Northern Iowa Panthers, the Kansas Jayhawks have to come into next season and prove themselves. Bill Self has too as well.

Let's not forget Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson, out-coached him in a cake-walk type game.

However, Bill Self is not known to hoist two back-to-back seasons where he let the fans down. The Jayhawks landed the No. 1 overall recruit in Josh Selby to possibly fill the shoes of Sherron Collins and the Morris twins has the job to fill Cole Aldrich's shoes in the post.

Bill Self has no problem with curbing players into aggressive and great players. In the 2008 season, the team that one that was filled with juniors and seniors that all wanted to win a championship. Put another coach at KU and I don't believe those players progress the way they do.

He always has powerful recruiting classes and great basketball players. That's always a plus when you're coaching.


3. Frank Martin

I don't care what many have to say about my Wildcats. Frank Martin was not there to keep Michael Beasley and Bill Walker around. He is not there now for recruiting reasons, but he is there to coach the Kansas State Wildcats.

Frank Martin has done a magnificent job with the Wildcats. Ensuing a season that his team came away with the most wins in school history, has a chance to once again break that record.

Look at the picture; now does that look like a coach to be messed with? Martin is live on the sideline, one of the more vocal coaches in the league, and he gets into his players. I remember he stated, "It's all about scoring one more point then your opponent." That helped and leaded the Cats' on to some milestones that haven't been achieved for decades.

Frank Martin has raised the Cats' from laughing stock to serious contenders. With the roster they have and Frank Martin on the sideline, Kansas State can be major players in this upcoming season.

2. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo may just as well be a Cleveland Cavalier before this list has even lasted a few days. However, since he has made no commitment to the NBA, he is the second-best coach in college basketball.

Izzo is the best coach on this list when it comes to developing players. A stat you probably already know if you've read my other articles on Tom Izzo is that every player that has stayed all four-years under him has had the chance to compete in the Final Four.

That says a lot. Even considering the fact that, their best player Kalin Lucas went down during their second round game in the tournament, and they were still able to pull off an Elite Eight berth.

If Izzo decides to stay, he solidifies Michigan State as title contenders. Without Izzo? Not so much.


1. Mike Krzyzewski

Coming off a National Championship with a roster that could repeat, has Coach K at No. 1. Coach K has always been conceived as a top coach in the league, considering that he has the highest winning percentage of all active coaches.

He has been a consistent player in the NCAA tournament, not to mention his titles and Final Fours berths; all that he brought to the Duke fans.

With Coach K leading the Blue Devils next season, you have to think about the possibility of a repeat. He acquired superstar caliber player Kyrie Irving, and to play with him in the backcourt is Tyler Thornton. As long as Coach K sticks on the sideline at Duke, which I believe he will, they'll be NCAA ready, every year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell, edits by Lauren Garrison