CHAPEL HILL – Second-seeded North Carolina enters the NCAA tournament with only eight scholarship players.
And it could be seven – had starting shooting guard Dexter Strickland chosen to have right knee surgery last month.
UNC coach Roy Williams revealed today that Strickland, a sophomore, injured his knee when he ran into a photographer on the baseline during his team’s 89-69 victory over Florida State on Feb. 6. Doctors told the player they could operate and he could perhaps miss the rest of the season, or he could play through the pain without doing further damage.
Strickland, who was not available for comment Wednesday, opted to play. He had surgery on his left knee in high school
“That kid, he’s fighting a lot of things right now,’’ Williams said. “And a lot of people are saying, ‘Dexter’s not doing anything’. Dexter’s doing a lot more than most people would, because most people wouldn’t even be playing. He decided, ‘No, coach, I want to play. I’ll fight through it.’ He was the defensive player of the game [Friday vs. Miami in the ACC tournament], and he’s done so many good things. Now, is he play all-ACC caliber play the last six weeks? No, I’m not saying that. But that young man has been going through some tough things.”
Indeed, the game he got injured was the first game the Tar Heels played without junior point guard Larry Drew II, who announced he was transferring mid-way through the ACC season. Without Drew, Strickland had to take over the back-up point guard duties, as well as starting at shooting guard.
Indeed, the game he got injured was the first game the Tar Heels played without junior point guard Larry Drew II, who announced he was transferring mid-way through the ACC season. Without Drew, Strickland had to take over the back-up point guard duties, as well as starting at shooting guard.
Since the home FSU game, Strickland has scored in double-figures only once, but has continued to play at least 21 minutes per game. As UNC’s top perimeter defender, he usually continues to take on opponents’ top guards.
“He’s a great athlete and a great player, and I’m impressed with what he’s able to do, with that knee,’’ senior forward Tyler Zeller said.
UNC opens NCAA play Friday in Charlotte against No. 15 seed Long Island.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at
Comments
That's bad news?
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 18:22 — TheMambaSTRIKESA "Shooting" Guard that can't shoot anything but a lay up... GO FIGURE
...... Bullock should have been starting SG since 1/1 (Ditto Marshall as PG)...and now even McDonald is a more productive SG than Strickland........that is, when he's allowed on the floor.
Someone recently said
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 22:37 — HeelsforeverSomeone recently said it's better to focus on the now than the past.
Sure didn't look like it
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:21 — HeelsforeverSure didn't look like the knee was bothering him when he posterized the entire d00k defense on the "charge". You know, the charge where Single turned around at the last second, leaned into Dex, and then flopped to the floor. Yeah, that "charge".
old newz
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 18:19 — TheMambaSTRIKESBetter to focus on the now while there still is one, and not the past...
It could all end...... before you know it !
Let the excuses begin...
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:35 — ProwlingWoofieLet the excuses begin...
Excuse.....me? And where is
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:40 — unc098Excuse.....me? And where is your team playing this week?
Like a lot of State fans
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:23 — HeelsforeverLike a lot of State fans this time of year cryingwolfie is now a d00k fan because, you guessed it, his team is sitting on the sofa watching.