Ten Ingredients in UNC's Recipe for Final Four Return

After a victorious season marked by the program's fifth national championship, the North Carolina Tar Heels face a season of rebuilding and uncertainty. Yet, hopes and expectations remain high—as always—for Roy Williams' young, inexperienced yet highly talented squad. The following 10 factors are the keys to UNC's effort at mounting another run to the Final Four and keeping alive its chance at a title defense.

Offensive output lies in Larry Drew II's hands.

The signature trademark of Carolina basketball is its quick pace and rapid turnaround on offense—often characterized by the fast break. The foundation to this style of play rests in the Tar Heels' point guard, Larry Drew II. While Drew cannot match the speed of Ty Lawson, he possesses comparable athleticism and ball handling skills that are essential to maintaining a good assists-to-turnover ratio.

Drew must dictate the offensive tempo and serve as the team's catalyst in recognizing and delivering plays that lead to a high-scoring point production. Furthermore, he must be unafraid to take shots or driving to the basket if either the opportunity arises or no passing options are available.

Under the watchful eye and guidance of Roy Williams—not to mention his ex-NBA player and current Atlanta Hawks coaching father—Drew is making technical adjustments and strengthening his conditioning.

Defensive intensity must mirror offensive play.

UNC's defense often fails to match its offensive performance. Even last year's NBA-caliber squad often coasted on defense until the NCAA tournament.

Carolina is already known for its high-scoring games, so if its defense—led by experienced, fifth-year senior Marcus Ginyard, who has proven to be the team's most prolific defensive specialist—can equal the offensive level of play, opponents could be in for a double dose of daunting challenges.

The Tar Heels should pay special attention to perimeter defense, as lackadaisical guarding of sharpshooting opponents have hurt UNC in the past.

As for inside-the-paint defense, Carolina certainly possesses the height to limit shooting and force blocked shots.

Ed Davis must establish presence inside the paint.

Four-year starter and All-American Tyler Hansbrough left a significant gap with his departure following his graduation; his physical play and consistent hustle will be sorely missed. Ed Davis will contribute as part of a trio that aims to fill Hansbrough's enormous shoes—literally and figuratively.

With a year of experience under his belt—playing the supporting role to Hansbrough's lead, Davis' points per game and rebounds have increased along with his playing minutes. Davis' most impressive performance came in last season's biggest games.

Moreover, Davis possesses and enjoys employing a versatile style of play. On top of being a natural shot blocker, he has a knack for recognizing plays on the floor, as shown by his ability to throw high-low passes to his fellow post players.

Davis must imitate Hansbrough's relentless push inside the paint while using his court vision to dish passes that can lead to easy baskets.

Deon Thompson needs to lead by example.

Deon Thompson is the elder statesman of this young Carolina team. The senior from Torrance, Calif., is the leading returning scorer and rebounder—a role he has maintained through this season thus far.

His teammates will be looking toward Thompson for leadership, and it appears Thompson has embraced and is ready to thrive in that position. Signs pointed to Thompson's inevitable emergence as UNC's forefront player during the early stretch last season—when Tyler Hansbrough was out with a shin injury; Thompson took over as the Tar Heels' primary post threat.

Thompson must combine all the lessons and skills he's accumulated in the past three years, including more back-to-the-basket touches ending with hook shots and outside shooting.

Thompson is the fittest he's ever been, which combined with his enthusiastic embrace of his new role as leader, should work as a big boost in pushing the Tar Heels in a winning direction.

Can another Tyler prove his real worth?

Tyler Zeller's freshman experience was unorthodox to say the least, starting his first game against Kentucky before suffering what was thought to be a season-ending injury only to return for UNC's last 13 games. Needless to say, Zeller's first-year bout was a roller coaster ride, and he was never able to feel completely comfortable on the court—often feeling sluggish and a bit rushed.

Zeller's game was and is still predominantly based on finesse. However, the 7' sophomore from Washington, Ind., has bulked up in the offseason, adding 30 lb. of muscle. He's also corrected a hitch at the top of his shot, which has led to an improved shooting percentage and added more speed to his previous quickness.

Combined with the versatile Davis and more ox-like Thompson, Zeller rounds out the tall trifecta of returning post players that should give UNC a huge advantage in terms of height and length. The more rapidly Zeller grows assured in his own skin and meshes with his fellow big men, the easier and likelier for a Tar Heels victory.

Don't neglect perimeter shooting.

The Tar Heels are known first and and foremost for their lightning-quick tempo and high-scoring games. Still, perimeter shooting is an integral part of UNC's game plan. Roy Williams has specifically stated that outside shooting is one of two components to a winning strategy (the other being backcourt play). In order to extend defenses and prevent opponents from packing the lane, somebody needs to emerge as the reliable outside shotmaker.

In recent years, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Ty Lawson capably contributed to this department. Unfortunately, all three players are no longer on the roster.

Currently, no one player has separated himself to be pegged the next sharpshooter. Will Graves seems to have the most potential despite a less than stellar statistical track record, as Williams attests. Larry Drew II has also showed some promise in daily summer practices with his father—making 800-1,000 jumpers. Marcus Ginyard has shown some hot streaks. Newcomers Dexter Strickland, Leslie McDonald, and John Henson could step up.

Take advantage of free throws.

This no-brainer rule applies to all teams including the Heels. Players need to convert as many free throws as they are allowed, as the difference between a win or a loss could be determined by these uncontested shots.

Tyler Hansbrough notably took advantage of his free throw opportunities, which helped UNC tremendously during close games. Consequently, he holds the NCAA record for most free throws made. Current Tar Heels should take note.

Use height advantage to grab rebounds.

Carolina has a deep backcourt; five players are 6'10" or taller. So on paper, it should have a huge advantage over many teams that have shorter post players. Nonetheless, the Heels have shown complacency on defense, letting opponents out-hustle them for rebounds and second shot opportunities. In UNC's last game against Texas, the Longhorns grabbed 29 offensive rebounds despite a smaller squad.

Both defensive and offensive rebounding should mesh naturally with Carolina's fast break style while increasing the energy level and limiting scoring opportunities for its opponents. Though easier said than done, the Tar Heels definitely have the edge with their physical capability.

How quickly can the freshmen learn and adjust?

Usually in a rebuilding year, program expectations start off low. Not at Chapel Hill—especially with this new class of freshmen. John Henson, Leslie McDonald, Dexter Strickland, and Travis and David Wear have played immediately and regularly on a rotating basis, as Roy Williams tinkers with the most effective combination of players of the floor.

The freshmen will undoubtedly make mistakes; however, the quicker and better they learn from them and execute instructions and plays properly will be a fundamental pillar to Carolina's long-term success, including in the post-season. The Fab Five certainly have the talent, but talent will always take a back seat to actual in-game practice.

Control nerves in hostile environments.

All three of North Carolina's losses this season have occurred in huge, hostile environments—in mini-tournament settings. And in all three games, the Heels often looked out of sorts, making more careless errors than usual. Clearly, the big stage and unfriendly atmosphere took a toll on the psychological and mental state of the players.

It is essential for UNC to shake off pressure-induced nerves and overcome uncomfortable setting away from home. After all, the later rounds of the NCAA tournament resemble the environments where the Tar Heels have lost their three games.

Look to away games on North Carolina's remaining schedule for any indication of improvement and foreshadowing of future performance in much larger, more important games.