A Different Gear

Last night against the North Carolina State Wolfpack, the North Carolina Tarheels achieved the different gear that they have been searching for most of the season. It was fun to watch. They ran up and down the court to the tune of 113 points against a Wolfpack team that has made it as high as #17 in the polls. The Tarheels were led by freshman Coby White who seemed to be at full speed after about one step. The Tarheel bigs ran the court almost as well especially senior Luke Maye who slashed his way to 31 points. It is too bad that Luke Maye cannot see red against every team the Tarheels play.

The Blue Team

Watching Nassir Little, Leaky Black, Brandon Robinson, and Seventh Woods come off the bench and provide valuable minutes and give the North Carolina Tarheels basketball team a boost of energy against Virginia Tech the other night reminded me of Dean Smith's "Blue team" concept from the 1970's. Coach Smith would bring in five players at a time off the bench to rest his starters and play mostly defense. It was a bonus of they provided any offense but this was before the shot clock and the three point shot.

Nassir Little scored a career high 23 points, Leaky Black hit a three during that initial Blue Team run, and Brandon Robinson has become one of the defensive stoppers on the team and made a beautiful bounce pass to Kenny Williams in the second half for an easy lay up. The only player missing was Center Sterling Manley who has been out for several games with a sore knee.