You all know I’m a fan of the Tar Heels. You’ve probably also heard that Kendall Marshall broke his wrist last weekend. This is, by far, the worst possible scenario for UNC. Since most people don’t follow the Heels as closely as I do, let me give some perspective. Take any team still in the tournament and remove the starting backcourt and one reserve. This would represent what this team has dealt with this year. The first two loses (Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland) were weathered earlier in the season but left a very thin bench. Now their floor leader and best ball handler is gone too (possibly). I don’t expect there to be much sympathy, but it is what it is.
Brutal.
There are few teams in this country that could handle this. Think of Kentucky without Teague, Lamb and Miller. Think of Ohio State without Craft, Smith Jr. and Scott. Would you like your teams chances heading into this weekend regardless of the opponent? It’s safe to say that I’m less than confident that this team will make the Final Four. It’s not that I’m not a fan. I am a realist. If it happens, it will require a legendary performance for 4 straight games at this point. We’ll revisit it next weekend either excited about the Final Four or as a reflection on what could have been. My gut tells me they MIGHT get by Ohio University tonight but Sunday’s game could be a hot mess. Like I said, let’s be honest.
