Okay, the fun and games are over now with this thrashing of A&T. We all knew this wasn't going to be a contest, but we just didn't want to say so (or at least I didn't).

Now, we stand at 14-11 with five regular season games left, and they are all conference games.

Home: Tech, State, dook
Away: Maryland, Wake

One would think that we have to win all our home games to have a shot at the NCAA's. Then, one would think that we have to win one of the other two. All that would get us to 18 wins, which seems to be the consensus on the absolute minimum of what we need to get in the Big Dance. Even then, we might have to win an ACC tourney game to clinch it.

This weekend's game at Maryland could change the perception of the season if we could somehow steal it. For the first time in awhile, this isn't an absolute "must win" game. We are expected to lose it, so we don't have to worry about the pressure we had going into Littlejohn. I think that works in our favor.

Whatever the case, let's finish the season strong so we can build some momentum going into the ACC tourney and the NIT/NCAA.

GO HEELS!

-JD

Well said JD. I think we need to win our home games and one in the tourney too. With our SOS, 17 may be enough, but 18 would be the ticket in. We should be able to win the home games, IMHO. I dont see us winning either of the away games. If they play well, and smart, they will be more seasoned for the ACC tourney. IF, and it is a big IF, May does make it back, he could give us a big lift. 10 to 15 minutes a game, with the threat of his offense, will open up the lanes and allow Rashad to drive again. Lets hope.

and here is a very comforting thought, think about much more deep we are since may's injury, we can take him out of the game and go with a smaller line up. this is very encouraging to me, maybe this injury hurt us in the short term, but in the long term it may be good for us....

I definitely think that's true, Ben.

Consider that David Noel would never have gotten the minutes he has if May hadn't gotten hurt. Consider also that Byron Sanders wouldn't have gotten all the experience playing against bigger, stronger, more-experienced players down low. Consider that Jawad wouldn't have had to play "big" (or as big as he would have) if we would have had Big Sean in there.

I would argue that Noel, Sanders, and Williams have benefitted greatly from May's absence. And I think they will benefit even more whenever he comes back. He will allow them to return to their more natural positions and minutes -- but they will have the confidence to know that they can flourish with or without him.

-JD

Was the A&T game worth it?

"By playing and winning the game, North Carolina's RPI fell from 39th to 49th. The Tar Heels' overall strength of schedule fell from fourth to 16th, and their nonconference schedule rank dropped from 16th to 45th."

I know you had no choice but to play it. But won't it do more harm than good in the long run?

doh

No, it wasn't worth it in that sense. If we could have cancelled the game, I'm sure we would have. But, we couldn't.

I think situations like that show the fallacy of the RPI system. Did we magically become worse than 10 other teams by beating a weak team by 30+? Of course not.

-JD

The RPI system kinda sucks like the jump ball on alternating possessions. It just don't make a whole lot of sense.

doh

I am ready, let's buckle up and get ready for the ride! It all starts @ Maryland this Saturday. Go Heels! :D