Great Turnout From North Carolina Fans
If you took a picture of the crowd, you’d think this was a game at the Dean Dome with the amount of UNC fans (and the amount of Bojangles ads when there is just one location in the DMV). I mentioned this yesterday, but Washington, DC is a prime location for this tournament.
It is a major alumni hub for every school. The Carolinas who run the conference can’t even complain about a lack of fans because they packed the arena for a 12pm start on a Thursday. Outside of Syracuse last night, it was by far the biggest turnout from a fanbase that we’ve seen so far. It’s a shame the tournament will be in North Carolina the next five years.
UNC’s Roster Construction
I know, another point giving North Carolina all the glory in the world. But, in this case, they deserve it. Hubert Davis deserves all the credit in the world for building his roster this year the way that he did, especially after last years disappointment. In the modern era of college basketball, I’m not sure if there’s a roster that I’ve loved more.
The Tar Heels have everything you want. Two starters who bleed Carolina blue, Armando Bacot and RJ Davis. They built the culture of this years team, as carryovers from the team that made it to the national title a few years ago. Then, they have the star freshman Elliot Cadeau. He brings the youthful energy to this squad and is exactly the type of player you want in March. Add on to that two veteran transfers, Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram. That is everything you can ask for, and more. Two foundational pieces, a star freshman and two transfers. Maybe the Orange can replicate it with the young group they have now in a few years.
Hustle Wins Tournament Games
This is something that as the tournament has gone on, continues to stand out. The players who dive after the loose balls and hustle more than anything make the biggest impacts. Whether it’s drawing charges or hustling back on defense, all of those types of plays propel your team and give the energy needed. In the second game, Pittsburgh dove after loose balls, drew charges and did the little thing right. Because of it, they jumped out to a huge early lead. Wake then bounced back after being down big early in the second half to make it a close game in the end.
