Ron Curry 50% of both, 100% of none

Today while driving home from work, I just happened to surf to a local radio sports radio station, 850 AM.  And what do I hear?  A focal point about Ron Curry's comments on media day last Saturday.  And the only known media publication about it was from the Durham Herald-Sun.  OK, what do you expect from the Dookies hometown paper?

Asked if this can be a football school, Curry leaned back and uttered these refined words:

"Nah ... this can never be a football school.  They're going to live, and die, about basketball around here," Curry said.  "You win the national championship and nothing is going to ever compare to Dean Smith around here.  To me, in my eyes, it's going to take a lot more than one national championship this year... next year... the years to come."

Well #1, Carolina is a women's soccer school.  Can you believe all those national championships? No school has done better.  #2, Carolina has a pretty good basketball program and tradition.  UCLA and Kentucky have done better though.  #3, Carolina has had some really good football years, especially in the Justice and Bunting eras.

Carolina is a football school.  When I think of "Tailback U.", I think of runners like Choo-Choo and Michael Ray Voight.  Yo, Space Cowboy!  But I think it's interesting that 5,000 go to watch soccer, 20,000 go to basketball games, but we get 60,000 Carolina Football fans in Kenan.  Go figure.  But there is a definite, growing passion for Carolina Football.

Curry's entitled to his opinion and fans are entitled to theirs.  But Ron Curry is currently the starting quarterback and supposed team leader... the guy who leads the Heels to battle.  What kind of message is he sending to the football team with comments like that.  Sure he's entitled to his opinion, but true leaders put their followers best interest and common goal as top priority.

Saturday, Ron Curry failed.  His message was more like it's OK to lose in football because basketball is King of the Hill anyway.  This is not the kind of football player and leader Coach John Bunting wants.  I'm guessing that Bunting had a few words for Curry.

What's sad to me is that Curry only needs 520 yards to break the UNC career school record for total offense, set by quarterback Jason Stanicek (1990-93).  Jason was a true quarterback and team leader.  Ron has 2 plays: I throw long and you run under it, and the busted play scramble.  This can move the ball between the 20's, but I don't think it's going to score much in the red zone.

In my book, Ron Curry will be remembered as the great high school athlete who never really adjusted to the faster paced, higher level of play.  I remember too many games where he was indecisive and held the ball too long.  He who hesitates is lost.  I remember too many short pass plays where he just couldn't hit the target.  And I don't remember any time where he got in someone's face to provide instruction or motivation.

I'll remember a player who tried to do both basketball and football at the collegiate level.  I'll remember a player who should have been moved to slot back, like Peter Warrick at FSU.  But unlike in high school where Ron was 100% of both, in college he was 50% of both and 100% of none.

Why am I upset about Curry's comments?  Peppers believes Carolina can be a football school.  And Bunting definitely believes Carolina can be a football school.  We'll soon face Oklahoma in the season opener.  Maintaining confidence is paramount for staying in the game.  Is Ron Curry a leader?  I have my opinion.  I'll let you decide.