North Carolina coach Roy Williams predicted on Sunday that freshman forward Tyler Zeller would surprise some people. Now, he might have the chance to do it sooner rather than later.
With returning National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough sidelined indefinitely because of a stress reaction in his right shin, several young big men will have more opportunities to impress coaches in practice — and perhaps more minutes to impress in games, if Hansbrough is sidelined for a lengthy period.
Staff photo by Robert Willett
North Carolina on Friday night played what could be its best competition at the Smith Center this season: itself.
The “White” team, which included consensus National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough and freshman forward Tyler Zeller, edged its “Blue” teammates 48-45. The 20-minute “Late Night with Roy Williams” scrimmage capped off an annual preseason event that included skits by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, jokes, and memories of years past.
“It wasn’t the best of basketball,’’ said senior Danny Green, who led the Blue team with an unofficial 23 points, “but it was fun."
CHAPEL HILL — Several North Carolina basketball players said it will take the entire team to replace what it will be missing from Marcus Ginyard for the next couple of months — defense, rebounding, leadership.
But it will begin with senior Danny Green.
Coach Roy Williams said during Friday’s practice-opening media day that Green is the leading contender to replace Ginyard, who had foot surgery earlier this month. Ginyard was on crutches and in a cast Friday, hopes to be in a walking boot Monday, and should return in December.
CHAPEL HILL — While most of the basketball world is predicting a national title for North Carolina’s basketball team, Roy Williams is busy forecasting wins for the football team — including an end to the Tar Heels’ 13-game losing streak at Virginia on Saturday.
“I said last week before the week we were going to beat Notre Dame and I think the streak stops this weekend, too,” Williams said. “I think that’s going to be a fun time for (football coach) Butch (Davis) and his staff. I think we’ll play great up at Virginia.”
UNC has extended its multimedia rights agreement with Learfield Sports through 2021, with an average guaranteed value of $7.5 million in cash, tickets purchased and goods and services. UNC also will get a share of revenue if it exceeds the guarantee, according to a statement released by the UNC athletic communications office.
And UNC is getting a $1 million extension bonus that will be used to replace outdated video equipment and computers, help fund the Carmichael Auditorium renovations and meet one-time expenses for equipment and facilities in the 2008-09 Olympic sports operating budgets.
The $7.5 million guarantee includes the compensation that goes to basketball coach Roy Williams and football coach Butch Davis for their coaching shows.
For the past two years, UNC has received about $5.2 million per year, including a share of revenue, from Learfield.
Tar Heel Sports Properties (formerly known as Tar Heel Sports
Marketing), the Chapel Hill subsidiary of Learfield, handles rights transactions for UNC athletics, including electronic venue signs, print sponsorships, event marketing, corporate hospitality, corporate sponsorships, TarHeelBlue.com advertising, radio play-by-play roadcasts and coaches’ shows, and a number of live television and Internet
broadcasts.
CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson pleaded guilty today on a charge of driving after consuming alcohol under age.
Lawson had already completed 26 hours of community service, an alcohol assessment and a four-page report on the impact of drinking and driving as part of a plea agreement. Prosecutors dismissed a driving while license revoked charge and a noise ordinance violation.
"A lot of people could have been hurt from this, like my parents and my teammates," Lawson said after a short court appearance. "It won't happen again."
UNC basketball coach Roy Williams has some anger issues.
Hear UNC coach Roy Williams respond to a question at his press conference about injury comments by Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
After seeing Coach K's commercials, UNC coach Roy Williams decided to get in on the act.
