
File photo by Arianna Hoffmann
Henson has emerged as a potential All-American
Media and fans love to employ descriptions such as “stepping on the opponent's throat” as a way to describe ultra-competitive squads. Carolina has risen to the occasion against elite foes this season (and last), however, so this problem likely wouldn't be an issue in the deeper rounds of the NCAA Tournament. But UNC also must avoid getting bitten too many times during ACC play — potentially costing them a No. 1 seed in the postseason — or, catastrophically, getting knocked out of the tournament in an early-round game.
The individual trend-lines are encouraging. Barnes has begun to assert himself effectively off the dribble, and Zeller and Henson form a dynamic pair on both ends of the court. P.J. Hairston appears to have regained his shooting stroke, and Kendall Marshall has adopted a more assertive posture as an occasional scorer.
Through Friday's games, Carolina now ranks No. 6 offensively and No. 11 defensively in Ken Pomeroy's empirical national rankings. The Heels should be able to improve that defensive number, but to do so they'll need to eliminate error-laden stretches like the one today.
Carolina hosts Miami on Tuesday in what should be a more competitive affair. Click here to view the UNC/BC box score.