CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina wrapped up another regular season title and likely another No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament thanks to another win over Duke on Sunday night.
But as Ty Lawson limped off the court with a sore right big toe after beating the Blue Devils, it became pretty apparent that what the Tar Heels don't need is another ACC Tournament title.
Coach Roy Williams has always placed more emphasis on the regular season crown for a reason: it's a sign of what the team has accomplished over a matter of months, not days. And let's face it, with two conference tournament titles but two NCAA tournament meltdowns under their belts over the last two years, the veteran Tar Heels are certainly focused more on the weeks to come than the week.
That's not to say UNC won't hoist another trophy in Atlanta this week, or shouldn't try. But with Lawson obviously needing to heal, and the Heels needing to look at the bigger picture (i.e., getting to, and winning in Detroit), a loss in the semifinals to a team like Florida State wouldn't be a stretch. Or surprising. Or necessarily a bad thing.
The Tar Heels, who own the top seed in the ACC tournament, could use a win over the winner of Thursday's Virginia Tech-Miami game on Friday to keep any fretting in the fan base from setting in. That should also triply solidify a top seed in the NCAAs.
But Williams' teams at Kansas and UNC have only reached the Final Four once after winning the conference title crown — last season — proving that returning home early and resting up for another day tends to pay bigger dividends down the road.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
excuss
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 01:20 — saltydawg1good to see that fans of thr university of san francisco are warming up their excuses in advance.....they're gonna need them.....this team will choke,as usual!!!!
Experience the Youth!
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 23:08 — jeromfitzEntering the ACC with an injury to a star player is a downer but what do UNC have to lose at this point. Everything in a title description from this point is just a topping on the cake.
If I have a star player injuried going into the ACC Tournament I would just ask the bench to step up like any other coach would and hope they bench be more flexible with shooting to keep the defense honest. These last minutes games before the big dance will help build a character before the season ends and know where you stand before the next season starts also.
Losing in tournament no big deal.
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 17:30 — Guitarman51If my memory is correct, neither the 93 national champs or the 05 national champs won the ACC tournament.
not to mention
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 14:20 — gvillegatrthis team (the Heels) are very athletic and in shape. we know this b/c al they do is run during ball games. you dont avg 92 + playing games in the half court.
Nice theory
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 13:06 — SurferThe statement, "proving that returning home early and resting up for another day tends to pay bigger dividends down the road. "
Nice theory, but remember these guys are young. Barring injury, an extra game or two, with a week before the start of the NCAA's should not make a difference in their energy level. I would contend that losing in the conf. tournament generates more desire and an increase in focus, leading to bigger dividends, not rest.
I don't think .....
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 11:02 — Worz4UNCRoy is soliciting advice from the media. Call me crazy, but I don't !!!!!!!!
all valid points so far.
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 11:02 — gvillegatrBUT, if UNC does show some sort of a white flag this weekend, loses, and then DUIke comes in and wins the crown, I will be pissed off!!
I just dont think UNC will back down, though. maybe Ty will get some longer spells early.
Freshman coming out party
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 10:47 — baconmLet Zeller, Drew, and Davis have the run of the floor for long stretches, with the other guys playing but getting less time. Sit Lawson at least for the first game, and see what Fraser and Drew can do. If UNC loses without Lawson, it's doubtful the NCAA committee would penalize them.
Assuming UNC has wrapped up a #1 seed..
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 10:23 — UNC1998It makes sense to rest Lawson, as long as he needs it. If he's able to heal over this week, play him along with everybody else. Keep the team together to avoid any cobwebs. BTW, what's the odds on what region the Heels will be assigned to?
The Players
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 09:40 — festerDon't make it sound as if Roy will call the dogs off. How do you tell a kid don't worry about winning this one. You can bet these Tar heel players would like to win another ACC tourney title and you can bet they will play like it. Roy's point is that he doesn't put a lot of emphasis on the ACC tourney. That just means losing it doesn't mean you failed. Roy would love to win another one and hoist a banner about in the Dean Dome and you can bet the Tar Heels will show up in Atlantaa with that goal in mind. Lawson's toe will be fine.
Yep!
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 08:49 — ccven84The ACC Toonamint means precious little anymore. Roy nailed it when he called it a cocktail party - the extra rest (especially for a nicked-up critical player like your point guard) would be far more valuable than a three-day title...