CHAPEL HILL — One of the biggest elements missing from North Carolina during its 85-78 loss to Boston College on Sunday night: the impact of Marcus Ginyard.
The senior, who finally returned late last month after left foot surgery, played 14 minutes off the bench last night, but he still wasn’t moving well enough to help slow Eagles Tyrese Rice (25 points) or Rakim Sanders (22).
He was also sporting a sleeve on his right leg. Coach Roy Williams’ explanation on Monday: “He took whack on his knee the day before the BC game in practice; I don’t have any idea whether that was [the reason for the sleeve] or it was Marcus making a fashion statement.”
What UNC is missing is Ginyard’s healthy defensive statements.
Williams said he is “concerned” about the player because he’s still not moving as well as he would like to.
“You look there [at the box score] and he plays 14 minutes and doesn’t take a shot,’’ Williams said Sunday. “There’s no question that he’s not 100 percent. And when he came back, I said that it’s going to take us two or three weeks to get him there… And I think he’s concerned. I’m concerned.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
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Thu, 05/14/2009 - 06:55 — AlexaToo bad as he has the potential to be very good but was not utilizing it. I called the Ginyard situation a few weeks back. He will be better off playing next year healthy and provide the senior leadership for a very young team.
marire penis
With all due respect....
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 17:30 — UNC1998Did the Heels look like they were missing anything in their games leading up to BC? Ginyard is a valuable presence. His healty return will strengthen the Heels' play. If he was 100% and playing like the rest of the team they still would have lost. Thankfully, they will have many chances to redeem themselves. Remember Santa Clara? That team did alright.
Spelling
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:57 — wsphutchsorry ... i meant pretentiousness. thought i would correct myself before a barrage of corrections came in
Mr. Fourcorners ...
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:52 — wsphutchThank you bringing to light another huge annoying character flaw with Tarholes ... prententiousness. As shown in your responses, you look down your snobby noses at other schools, (especially NCSU) as if they are not as good as yours ... assumingly b/c their students aren't all spoiled, rich trust fund babies.
As for me taking offense to your sore-loser comments ... I don't have to, I didn't go to State - or Duke for that matter. NewsFlash - Because of the type of obnoxiousness you just showed, the whole sporting world dislikes you, not just State fans. Take your loss like a man and be quiet
Tarheels Loss
Mon, 01/05/2009 - 14:07 — sehogansonThe post-game anaylsis is easy. Too many turnovers and too many missed free throws. Couple these with top-of-game play by BC equals a Tarheel loss. The good news is this will awaken the sleeping UNC stars to once again rise to their potential. Watch out Wake; they're coming your way for dinner and they may be hungry again!
Excuses
Mon, 01/05/2009 - 13:23 — VastRightWingCo...I have, for a long time, suspected that Carolina students were required to take Excuse Making 101 in their first semester. Now I Know they do.
ascinine (msp?) I know ... not so fast.
Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:59 — gvillegatrMost Heels fans were thinking, "what kind of impact Ginyard was going to have on the teams great play when he came back." With as special a team as UNC has, you couldnt ask him to redshirt but thats what I was wishing.
Blame it on Sunday Night Basketball or blame it on the rotation getting discombobulated. I hate Sunday night basketball b/c, well, it shouldnt be played then. When I was in college, the last thing I, or any of my buddy's, wanted to do was something constructive on a sunday night. its the end of the weekend!! apparently the Heels dont like it either. two sundays in a row of lathargic basketball.
or you could blame it on Ginyard coming back. too many cooks. like Bobby Frasor, there is no place for Ginyard no more ... no matter what he can bring on defense. (which isnt much right now) Thats a hard thing for me to say, but it is true. I dont know if I have ever been so critical of a UNC basketball player that truly doesnt deserve such harsh criticism. besides, with all the booty we will be losing next year, Ginyard could have made a deeper impact then.
Admit me to the looney bin or wherever. just felt like writing what I thought and what most of you guys won't admit.
and, also, bring on the "excuses" barages. b/c in the end thats proly all it is. but in no terms do I expect to lose more than one more game this year. so enjoy it State fans.
Yep, State's sure to beat us
Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:49 — fourcornersYep, State's sure to beat us now. Seriously, go win the Old Spice Invitational or something and hang a banner. We won't be looking for you in the stands in Detroit. The good news is that I hear the bass are really running this year; things are looking up for the fishing team again.
Typical ...
Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:43 — wsphutchI notice there was no visable concern of Ginyard's absence before the loss. Typical of the 'Holes and their folks searching for excuses instead of taking their losses like the rest of us. And how about that crown of an undefeated season now? I hope you all realize how assinine those comments were. An undefeated season in the ACC will likely never happen again ... at least not in the foreseeable future; and will hopefully NEVER happen for the Tarholes. HA!