ROBERT WILLETT - rwillett@newsobserver.com
CHAPEL HILL — With senior Marcus Ginyard back and healthy in the starting line-up, sixth-ranked North Carolina was bound to get an instant surge of defense this season. But judging by the defending national champions’ 88-72 season-opening victory against Florida International on Monday night, he’s not the only one who takes pride in swiping, swatting, and making opponents sweat.
The tall Tar Heels recorded eight blocks (including four by Ed Davis), 10 steals (including three by Deon Thompson) and held the Golden Panthers 36.8 shooting, ruining Isiah Thomas’ debut as FIU’s head coach.
Carolina plays NC Central in the Tar Heels’ second game of the 2K Sports Classic on Wednesday.
Junior Will Graves started at small forward for Carolina, joined by Larry Drew II at point guard, Ginyard at shooting guard, and Davis and Deon Thompson at power forwards.
UNC led 46-30 at halftime, holding FIU to 30.3 percent shooting in the first half. Then The Golden Panthers managed only one bucket before the first TV timeout of the second priod, as the Tar Heels extended their advantage to 55-32.
Even though Monday marked a new basketball season, there were certainly some blasts from the past. Not only was Thomas – who led Indiana to a victory over UNC in the 1981 national title game – in the house, but the Tar Heels were wearing “throwback” uniforms, meant to commemorate the 1957 national team. Like that squad, the unis featured a red-and-white vertical striped waistband and crimson-and-blue piping around the collar. (Unlike ’57, however, Carolina’s players are not wearing short-shorts.)
If that splash of color wasn’t enough to make FIU see red, UNC’s defense was.
Along with the swats and steals and stops, Tyler Zeller at one point in the first half took and offensive charge – on the possession just after Ginyard did.
Thompson led the Tar Heels with 20 points; Davis chipped in 13.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
I like the throwback
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 12:00 — mad_maxI like the throwback jerseys...still hate the team though lol.
Good start
Tue, 11/10/2009 - 23:17 — Heels20Drew II looked great, Marcus' offensive game was a nice surprise and Deon has become the complete post man. Ed was about what I expected and Henson was good, but not great. We definitely have to improve the outside shot and need to play the full 40 minutes. Other than that, this is a very very good basketball team that will not drop very far from their #1 spot last season.
What's with the jersey's?
Tue, 11/10/2009 - 07:51 — billayIt's bad enough to have the color red on a UNC uniform, but to abandon the argyle after all this time? Blastphemey!
history lesson
Tue, 11/10/2009 - 09:03 — gvillegatrthese were the UNC jerseys when they won their first title in '57.
Yes
Tue, 11/10/2009 - 15:47 — melvinfurdwith the exception the '57 uniforms were with actual shorts - - -
tonight's game
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 22:32 — saltydawg1the devils would have caused twice as many turnovers, and would have killed the heels tonight!!
look at it this way...
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 22:00 — chrismg1the 05-06 team needed a buzzer beater to beat Gardner Webb in the first game. Those guys turned out alright.
little sloppy but its to be expected. It will all come together shortly.
I could be wrong, because
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 12:00 — mad_maxI could be wrong, because I'm not a UNC fan, but I thought UNC lost to Santa Clara in their season-opener that year...then of course went on to win the title.
that was the 04-05 year. I
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 15:34 — chrismg1that was the 04-05 year. I was refering to the next year after everyone left for the NBA and the team was starting 5 new players.
Ah okay, gotcha.
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 21:23 — mad_maxAh okay, gotcha.
and
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 21:42 — gvillegatrwe will see some growing pains with this team early. I still feel they'll beat DUIke, though. :O)
turnovers
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 21:38 — gvillegatrI'm seeing more turnovers thatn I want to, but it is the forst game. Drew II is looking good. I predicted he'd be better and he looks comfortable running the defending national champions.
Nice touch on the 1957 throw back jerseys. the red elastic band on the shorts are priceless!!
I agree.
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 22:23 — UNC1998I didn't watch the whole game, but when I left the Heels had 14 turnovers, while FIU had 15. That can negate any other advantages the Heels have over future opponents. The schedule will get more difficult in a hurry, and I hope Coach Williams wears them out over this issue. I do like the size of the frontline. I've been telling my buddies that if they can get it over half court they'll be unstoppable. That looks true.