USA Today likes UNC to reach the Final Four
It’s extremely difficult to not look ahead, particularly when you’re so close to the Final Four.
As coaches have relayed to their players repeatedly, focus on what’s directly in front of you.
After last year’s disappointing result, UNC is one of the favorites to win this year’s NCAA Tournament. North Carolina (29-7, 17-3 ACC) has won 10 of its past 11 games, including Big Dance victories over Wagner and Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have another hurdle to clear on Thursday, as they play Alabama in the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide (23-11, 13-5) last matched up with UNC in last year’s Phil Knight Invitational, beating North Carolina 103-101 in quadruple overtime.
This year is different, though, with national media boldly predicting UNC (and all other top seeds) to the Final Four.
“(USA Today writer) Eddie Timanus is already on record predicting this on his expert *snort* bracket, so he backs it up here with this prediction – all four Number One seeds to the Final Four,” USA Today wrote in a recent story. “It might not seem very bold, but in the 64-team era it’s only happened once – in 2008. Three of the four have breezed through up to this point, but none of them have an easy path ahead. History and the odds say at least one of them won’t make it, but we’re all about being bold here.”
The USA today also highlighted how the Tar Heels will need someone to score besides RJ Davis.
Who will step up for North Carolina? Will it be starters Harrison Ingram and/or Cormac Ryan? Can Elliot Cadeau deliver another breakout game. Is Jae’Lyn Withers capable of a second-consecutive double-double off the bench?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
