5 Apparent Truths to Syracuse Beatdown of the North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina came into the season looking to repeat as NCAA Champs. They've lost a lot but in Chapel Hill they expect the best.

Syracuse dribbled into the season looking to establish themselves in a compettive Big East conference while replacing key players...

The Syracuse Orange dismantled the North Carolina Tar Heels 87-71 in the 2K Sports Champioship Game.

Madison Square Garden rocked all night long...

North Carolina's Point Guard Position is Weak

Larry Drew II played in a nice backup position to current NBA guard Ty Lawson in a national title run,

This year he's expected to lead the Tar Heels to the ACC promis land.

In UNC's first four games he's struggled to become a complete point guard.

Syracuse exposed the young guy as he only attempted two shots all night. His lack of explosiveness showed against the 2-3 Zone all night. Drew scored 0 points and dished six assists in the game.

If UNC wants to challenge Duke in the ACC, they'll need somebody to run the position effectively.

Roy Williams has no other option at PG and will need to groom Larry Drew IIi soon. Reminds me a lot of Quentin Thomas...ouch.

Wesley Johnson

Wesley Johnson, the transfer from Iowa State is sensational.

He torched the Tar Heels with little effort.

Wesley Johnson scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds on a loaded Tar Heel frontcourt.

Johnson hit four three-pointers and finished 11 for 18 from the field. North Carolina had no answer for the Junior forward as he frequently created for himself and teammates.

Ginyard may be a terrific defender but he can't hang with tough matchups.

The difference between Ohio State's Evan Turner and Wesley Johnson, is the "moment". When you play well in big games your team goes a lot further, although they fought back against UNC.

Johnson could be a sleeper in the Big East Player of the Year campaign.

UNC's Frontcourt is a Little Soft

I know most "experts" say UNC has the best frontcourt in the country but that's an unfair statement.

OK, they have four or five future NBA players upfront but they don't seem to play like it.

Deon Thompson has offensive skills but he's a delicate guy...plain and simple. He's also a mediocre defender and that's why Syracuse was able to offset his contributions.

Ed Davis is a gifted talent but he's not Top 5 NBA ready. He scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds with two blocks but he didn't have the impact you need for 40 minutes. Davis occasionall get muscled by quicker and tougher opponents as we saw with the Orange.

John Henson...I mean the kid is just not physically or mentally ready for the ACC. I seriously recommend he doesn't go pro.

UNC Will Struggle as the Season Grows

UNC took a big hit with this 87-71 loss.

I know people will make excuses but stuff like this happens

UNC came to play for 20 minutes not 40. UNC struggled puting away Ohio State and Valpraiso in the previous two games while they cruised to two victories...

THis is what Larry Drew IIi had to say after defeating Valpo; "I'm not trying to travel all the way to New York just to get embarrassed.

There's ONE thing you can't coach in college basketball and that's effort.

Although UNC led at halftime, you never got the feeling they were into the game. The only player who didn't look confused on a regular bases was Marcus Ginyard who scored 15 points and was the only stabilizer for the Tar Heels.

Kentucky, Michigan State and Texas all have what it takes to stifle the young Tar Heels in the future.

Not to mention a daunting ACC slate.

It Will Be Tough to Beat Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange

Syracuse is better than #24 in the nation.

They completetly destroyed a big North Carolina team.

That 2-3 Zone stifled the UNC offense every minute.

I know UNC lost a lot but the Orsnge have had their fair share of departures. Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris all left in the offseason.

Andy Rautins has been a great off-guards for Boeheim and he can shoot the three with the best players in college basketball. He finished with eight steals on the night.

The unsung hero has to be the big Arinze Onuaku. He scored 15 points on 7-11 shooting while playing tough against Ed Davis and Deon Thompson.

As mentioned before, Wesley Johnson is just a beast. He outscored UNC's best two players(Davis and Thompson) with 27 points, while they combined for 26.

Syracuse's 22-1 run shattered North Carolina's spirit into pieces. That's as impressive as`a run you'll see in college basketball, and against the defending champs makes it more special.

"We made two really good plays right in a row and got it right back up because they're going to keep coming at you," said Boeheim, who earlier this month became the eighth Division I coach to reach 800 wins.

Jim Boeheim outcoached Roy Williams and his team remained hungry and motivated for 40 minutes.

The Orange have won six of seven and 14 of 18 against ranked nonconference opponents.

This team will have a say in the Big East for sure, especially with the lackluster play of Villanova and Georgetown.