Julius Peppers and Ronald Curry Ram Man's Co-Players of the Game

Yesterday at work, I predicted today would be the day.  I called for a Carolina win, 87 - 70.  With 7:29 left in the second half, it was Carolina 75 to 60.  I thought we were on pace for the 17 point victory over a ranked team.

At the 6:00 mark, Carolina had a 16 point lead at 80 - 64.  But we were on pace to go past an 87 point game.  And Maryland would go past 70.  OK, so I didn't get the score right.

A few minutes later, Peppers is out of his range on the base line.  He throws a brick and Maryland rebounds.  The Turtles take it down for a score, Carolina 94 - 80.  I thought Pep should have thrown it back out to set up the offense.  That would have shown championship caliber decision making.  That would have shown killer instinct.

Matt Doherty Pulling the right strings at Carolina

I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but these kinds of decisions by the collective Heels is a weakness.  I bet the coaches pick up on that point as well.  This is the time in the season that teams should try to pick up the pace...  tune their game and begin, with renewed effort, to peak.  My money says that Matt and Staff will address this point most effectively.

Boom...  back to the game.  20.3 seconds left and Carolina's ball.  Ball in to Joseph Forte, who drives the length and lays it in.  Carolina 96 - 80.  OK, game over.  But I didn't like how easily Baxter dunked to give the Turtles 82 points.  Again, this is a minor point, but where was the resistance...  the defense?  This is the minor point that can cost championships.  This is the time to develop a killer instinct.

On the bright side, Curry is definitely doing the job.  I've always contended that in college ball the great teams had to have a solid point guard.  This is Curry's first year as a starter, but I love the way he's adapted to playing hoops [from football season] and become the team leader.  I'll take Curry over Cota any day.

Curry is no Charlie Ward.  I've written in the past how I'd rather see him play slot back in football.  I just haven't seen the quarterback decision making skills...  only great athleticism and long ball off the run.  But if he'd give up football to focus on basketball year round, I think he'd have a shot at the next level.  Won't happen...  too late in the game.  It's sad for him.  But I'm loving what he's brought to this year's basketball team.  His passes are like Lightening!

What else does a great team need?  The Enforcer!  Can you say Julius Peppers?  I think [Dookie] Battier should hang it up.  And the answer to "Who's your Daddy?" should be Peppers, hands down!

Peppers is amazing to watch on the court.  He has good hands... can pass, catch, and dribble.  He's rarely out of position.  He's a thinker about fundamentals, and puts them into play.  He can run and jump.  He blocks out, rebounds, and makes a great outlet pass.  But the best part is that he's 6'6" and 275 lbs. of hurricane force.  Humm... Hurricane!  Hurricane Peppers!  Can you say nickname?

Hurricane and Lightening!  Peppers got his first start today.  He played his usual solid game, but was able to increase his productivity.  More minutes, more good stuff!  Curry has settled into his role of leading this team.  He has the ability, he has the mind-set,  he has the attitude.  But above all, he demonstrates great hardwood savvy and decision making with round ball.

This is a complete team and every player has a role.  When I realized this, I had to laugh.  So many game analysts talk about role players and who they are...  what they contribute.  It's almost with a condescending attitude.

Well, Carolina has the All-America Joseph Forte.  He scores at will and helps the team in clutch moments.  Nuf' said.  But on this team, he's only a role player.

Carolina has Haywood who has set the all-time blocks record at UNC and intimidates the opposing front court.  Dunkin' Man!  But on this team, he's only a role player.

Carolina has Capel, who quietly does any and all things for his team to win and have a shot at greatness.  Without the Capel's in the basketball world, teams don't go far.  It's funny how everyone calls him "The Role Player" at Carolina.  I call him the Team MVP.  But on this team, he's only a role player.

Carolina has a space eater in Lang.  This kid hustles non-stop and gives his all.  He plays with injuries, but doesn't make excuses.  He has a killer jump hook that cannot be defended.  You'll find no greater passion and desire.  But on this team, he's only a role player.

Carolina has a bench.  Max, Brian, Adam, Stick...  they all can come in and hold their own.  They can come in one at a time to blend and contribute.  Or they can come in in masses, and run up the score.  I'm not ready to call them the Blue Team from the 70's lore, but they will be very important during the March run to the Final Four.  On this team, they're only role players.

Carolina has Hurricane and Lightening!  Peppers and Curry seem to be the keys to Carolina's spring to No. 1 in the nation.  On this team, they're only role players.  Today, they have earned the Ram Man's Co-Players of the Game!

But most of all, Carolina has Matt Doherty.  He's brought great energy and direction to the program.  He's been there, done that...  as a player at Carolina and now as our head coach.  He knows what players need to hear, and when they need to hear it.  He's doing a great job. But on this team, he's only a role player.

Show no mercy... take no prisoners!  Bottom line?  We're Number One!!!  OK, time for me to finish some Turtle Soup!  Hahaha... I love it.  Today Carolina made a statement!  Forte said it best..."We're a team. We're a great team and we showed that tonight".  The Heels had a break out game by playing their roles!