Roy's Top Ten Tar heels?
Roy Williams named his top players for the 10 Categories listed below.. I am going to agree or disagree with his choices and explain my decision. Keep in mind some of these categories are things that you see in practice and off the court. I am reviewing the selections as a FAN and based on the time watching each of these spectacular players play.
The Quarterback
Roy's Choice: Kendall Marshall
Jarail's Choice: Kendall Marshall
I agree with this selection. Kendall Marshall was the floor General from 2010-2012. Kendall was a true pass-first point guard. He could score when needed, but his primary goal was coordinating the offense, and he did a superb job. Unfortunately, he sustained a wrist injury during the 2012 NCAA tournament and did not elect to return to Chapel Hill. Carolina would have definitely gone deeper in the NCAA tournament that year if it had not won the entire thing had it not been for that injury.
Most Clutch
Roy's Choice: Marcus Paige
Jarail's Choice: Marcus Paige
Another selection I have to agree with. Marcus Paige started slow with UNC's career, trying to fill the shoes of Kendall Marshall as a true passing point guard. Luckily, Marcus decided to take his own route and became an overall great player and pure scorer. Paige came through in the clutch more time than I can count watching the Heels play. The 2016 National championship shot Paige made is one for the records even though it was erased by Villanova's Kris Jenkins miraculous shot seconds later that lead to a UNC loss.
The Coach
Roy's Choice: Sean May
Jarail's Choice: Sean May
For this Choice, I have to agree with Roy again. This role belongs to a floor general as well as an overall coach to the players. Watching Sean may conduct himself from 2002-2005, you could see his growth and development into the role of a coach and someone his teammates looked up to. Sean May continues his coaching efforts as a director of operation for the Tar heels. After a short stint in the NBA due to his body failing him, May return to Chapel Hill and began to help grown future Tar heels. May was hands on with all the big men that have come through Carolina since his return.
The Athletic Wonder
Roy's Choice: Ty Lawson
Jarail's Choice: J.P. Tokoto
I can See Ty Lawson in this role, but I am going to give it to J.P. Tokoto. Although J.P. missed moments to destroy competitors with monstrous dunks when he did, he did it. Check out some of his highlights below.
The Shooter
Roy's Choice: Wayne Ellington
Jarail's Choice: Wayne Ellington
This is a tough one for me. It is between Wayne and McCants. Both wonderful shooters, but while at Carolina, I am going to give the edge to Wayne. McCants was nice from behind the Arc and had the attitude to match. Wayne started off a bit timid, but once he understood what he was doing, he turned into a DOG for the Heels. Wayne made many clutch shots and earned different titles during his time.
The Bucket Getter
Roy's Choice: Tyler Hansbrough
Jarail's Choice: Tyler Hansbrough (Pyscho T)
Watch the highlights.. nothing else needs to be said..THIS MAN WAS A DOG at UNC. Go getter all around.
The Lockdown Defender
Roy's Choice: Jackie Manuel
Jarail's Choice: Jackie Manuel
Another no brainer... This man was born to be a lockdown defender. Jackie was not a scorer, but he would lock down the top scorer of any team to help UNC to a victory.
The Glue Guy
Roy's Choice: Marvin Williams
Jarail's ChoiceChoice: Marvin Williams
I truly enjoyed Marvelous Marvin while he was at UNC, but for this award, I am going with Danny Green. Danny spent much of his time coming off the bench and providing second-team scoring for UNC. He could have easily been a started over Marcus Ginyard, but he was the guy that could come in and make things happen. Danny was very much the glue holding the Tarheels together during his time at UNC.
The Dirty Worker
Roy's Choice: John Henson
Jarail's Choice: John Henson
This is another one that is hard to argue with. John did a lot for the heels on the offensive side as well as the defensive side. Whether it was scoring buckets, blocking shots, or getting rebounds, you could look to Henson for a big play. An honorable mention is this slot goes to Theo Pinson. Theo was an all around utility player that could step in and make big plays when needed. These play mainly consisted of the dirty work with great defensive, high energy, steals, dunks, rebounds, and assist. If there was a dirty job that needed to be handled, Theo was the go to in his class.
The Captain
Roy's Choice: David Noel
Jarail's Choice: David Noel
This is another choice that has more to do with what we don't just see on game day, but every day. David Noel did a great job becoming the leader and captain he needed to with a very young team. Another player I have in mind is Reyshawn Terry. As a player that stepped up and put the team on his back in a lot of situations, Terry did that. It was a joint effort from him and Noel to carry the heels. Since I did not see the off the court things, I will agree with Roy on this ChoiceChoice.
If you agree or disagree with my Choices or Roy's
Choices post on Twitter @thesportchief and let us know!
Thanks for reading,
Jarail