While North Carolina will have a comfortable size advantage over Villanova, the defensive matchups for the Tar Heels could be challenging in Saturday's Final Four semifinal game at Detroit.
The short, quick Wildcats are blessed with offensive versatility, which has given bigger opponents trouble much of the season.
Below are the likely game-opening defensive assignments for the favored Heels. The most important should be Carolina's Wayne Ellington on Scottie Reynolds, a 6-foot-2 junior who is dangerous as a spot-up shooter, in transitiion and as a lane slasher.
Carolina should have defensive options, however. If Ellington struggles to contain Reynolds, look for Danny Green (6-6) to move over, putting Ellington on Wildcat winger Corey Stokes. Inside, Tyler Hansbrough (6-9) will have his hands full -- well, his feet full -- trying to chase 6-6 Dwayne Anderson.
'Nova coach Jay Wright frequently has mixed zone, zone presses and man defenses. While in man, look for Dante Cunningham to take on Hansbrough.
The likely starting matchups:
Ty Lawson (5-11, Jr.) on Scottie Reynolds (6-2, Jr.)
Wayne Ellington (6-4, Jr.) on Reggie Redding (6-5, Jr.)
Danny Green (6-6, Sr.) on Dwayne Anderson (6-6, Sr.)
Tyler Hansbrough (6-9, Sr.) on Shane Clark (6-7, Sr.)
Deon Thompson (6-8, Jr.) on Dante Cunningham (6-8, Sr.)
Comments
Nice Addition
Wed, 04/01/2009 - 13:40 — rtarnowskiWith the correct matchups, but the text of the article still has Ellington on Reynolds
Heelsno1
Wed, 04/01/2009 - 12:39 — gvillegatrI would have to agree with you, my man.
To a man, the Heels are better at every position. The way they have played defense in the tourney, just makes it that much sweeter. Things do change though ...
Deon Thompson is nowhere
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 09:35 — devonmooreDeon Thompson is nowhere near as good as Dante Cunningham. Although UNC is individually better than the others, at every position except for Lawson Villanova is quicker. It's a dangerous game for Carolina.
Turnover
Wed, 04/01/2009 - 09:20 — heelsno1The team that has major match-up problems is Villanova. Your article seems to miss that point altogether. UNC has always had the talent, and now they are playing with the grit, determination and hearts of champions.
Good luck closing the deal. Go Heels!
Wrong
Wed, 04/01/2009 - 08:19 — rtarnowskiWhy would Ellington cover Reynolds? Is Lawson going to cover someone who he gives up 6 inches to (Redding)? Try again.