I started paying close attention to UNC hoops in 1972, so I've seen my share of painful losses, but it was not until the Doh! error era that I saw Carolina teams looking helpless and hopeless.
There was always the sense that they might come back, and always the sense that they played hard and with heart.
Something's badly broken.
As previously noted, it's not that they're losing, it's how they're losing.
If you can't get fired up for dook, play the walk ons and freshmen, at least the healthy ones. I don't get it, but I think these spoiled kids (athletes?) attitudes these days hepled Dean decide it was time to retire.
Posted by: Kim | Mar 07, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I've seen this before (to a lesser degree of course)when senior and freshmen fail to gel. With the two senior starters having not been leaders, you can really tell they do not communicate or have the team chemistry.
I turned the game off at 26-9 because Duke was toying with the Heels on offense, running off hip screens and draining wide open threes. But before that, you could really tell there was no leader on the court for UNC and the freshmen were doing what they would naturally do, attack the basket, and that led to some bad shots.
Also, Ginyard again was involved in a motion play where he cut from the wing to the hoop just as the player up top was throwing him the ball. The ball hit Chris Collins right in the hands and Henson and Ginyard dropped their shoulders and walked back the other way.
I like the freshman, and I like LDII if he would just be more consistent. Ginyard is a weakside rebounder and a defensive player and Thompson always benefited from being played one on one. With Tyler gone, DT can't operate without being double teamed.
Just my own analysis of why the heart and chemistry are lacking.
In this game they just got obliterated by a good team that had a point to prove.
Posted by: Account Deleted | Mar 07, 2010 at 11:41 AM
I'll always remember the UNC-USC Sweet 16 game were Taj Gibson was toasting the Heels up to the 10 minute mark in the second half. At that point, Ginyard began attacking the offensive glass and scored like three or four put backs inside about three minutes to get us back in the game.
Role players excel in their role, not in trying to lead.
Posted by: Account Deleted | Mar 07, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Even Dookie V commented on the lack of effort on defense last night.
When this team has played well, it's started with defense, but that's been sporadic.
I think there's something to the chemistry argument. Maybe having the sons of two former NBA players is not so healthy...
Posted by: Ed Cone | Mar 07, 2010 at 11:54 AM
My timing may have been slightly better than yours Ed. Instantly hooked in '68 at age 8(lost NCAA title to Alcindor & Co--tears were shed), thought I was incurable when realized I would remain a closet tarheel throughout my 4 yrs at Wake, graduating without honor along with the '82 championship team.
Eventually sought rehab, became born again in '95 with the help of Randolph Childress, and by the time Dean Smith and Tim Duncan walked off into the sunset together in '97, I was cured. To this day I remain a sometimes proud recovered Chapoholic. Of course I've missed some of your recent ecstacy as well as the agony.
If they would just end the season in mid February, Wake would be a dynasty by now.
Posted by: cheripickr | Mar 07, 2010 at 01:35 PM
It's coaching - plain and simple. How else do you explain the demise of a team that actually looked like it could contend for another Final Four bid, back in early January? I don't buy the whole injuries theory that's been touted by some commentators. Roy's in unfamiliar territory, which explains why he has no idea how to help pull this team out of the sewer. This team will lose big this Thursday and will hopefully head for GNC and the weight room right after. They look like a bunch of Angolans on the court. Best wishes to Ginyard and Thompson in their non-athletic pursuits after college.
Posted by: A. Bulluck | Mar 07, 2010 at 02:37 PM
It is rare to see a UNC Basketball team, with a HALL OF FAME COACH, SUCK for an entire season. It is sorta like a solar eclipse, it doesn't happen very often. For UNC fans it will burn their eyes out as they try to watch. For everyone else, it is an extrodinary event to be savored and enjoyed. Now, if we could see some tears from Roy Williams on national TV Thursday afternoon, that would truly be the icing on the cake for all the ABC'ers.
Posted by: Eric Hendrix | Mar 07, 2010 at 03:03 PM
Here's one for your next sports bar trivia contest: Which of the following coaches has been awarded Associated Press College Basketball Coach of the Year?:
1) Dean Smith
2) Matt Doherty
3) Mike Krzyzewski
Answer HERE
Bonus: If someone put a gun to your temple and said "Spell Mike Shuh-SHEF-ski's last name correctly or die", could you do it?
Posted by: cheripickr | Mar 07, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Matt Doherty was Candidate #58 back in 2000. That guy came to Chapel Hill, and left, with a bullseye on his back. I started at UNC when Bill Guthridge was at the helm. I graduated after Roy's first season. Doherty got the Smith Center and the student section more fired up than Gut and Williams combined. He brought a youthful intensity that still lacks in that God awful building. I still don't understand the concept of sitting down at a sporting event. If you're too old or lazy to stand up, stay at home.
Posted by: A. Bulluck | Mar 07, 2010 at 05:12 PM
We had a big time chemistry problem in '94. Young guns knew they were better, but didn't get the playing time they thought they deserved. We had enough talent and coaching to still have a great season.
Posted by: Kim | Mar 08, 2010 at 09:04 AM