Ginyard, Graves Key to UNC's Winning Chances

Cormac McCarthy’s haunting, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Road, describes the journey of a father and son who travel along a desolate, perilous road in hopes of salvation.

Much like the story’s setting, the North Carolina Tar Heels’ road games have materialized into a series of disheartening losses and unexpected surprises—often characterized by suspect judgment and poor play.  If the Heels’ away games continue to maintain the current course, their results will mirror the bleak, uncertain circumstances of McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic tale.

In UNC’s case, the two protagonists most vital and likely to guide their fellow Tar Heels through the remaining games successfully are Marcus Ginyard and Will Graves.  Without these two, North Carolina could very well find itself trudging through a tough conference schedule without reaching the desirable finish line.

Upon review of the Heels’ four losses this season, the two most glaring weaknesses are beginning to unravel, as opponents take advantage of them.  Inconsistent, suspect defense still remains as North Carolina’s primary problem, and the lack of a solid perimeter shooter to counter defensive lapses with easy baskets spells double trouble.

Ginyard and Graves could change that.

Despite starting in UNC’s first nine games, Ginyard still has not fully recovered from a left foot injury he sustained last season. Tar Heels fans held their breath after Ginyard seemingly re-aggravated his left injury and sat out the game against Presbyterian on Dec. 11, 2009. Fans then let out sighs of relief when Ginyard returned for Carolina’s next bout against Texas.  

That momentary sense of a break shattered when news broke that Ginyard had sprained his right ankle on Dec. 26, 2009.  He then missed the next three games before returning to court for UNC’s conference opener against Virginia Tech.  Ginyard clearly was not fully comfortable on court—a natural but physically and psychologically limiting barrier—as shown by his tentative play, which led to poor numbers.

Ginyard is already known for his defensive prowess, and with the most experience under his belt than any other Tar Heel, he certainly possesses the intangible court sense to recognize various situations and implement certain plays accordingly.  

On top of his role as a veteran and defensive specialist, Ginyard has worked on shooting—mainly holding his follow-through and keeping the ball off the palm of his hand.  While offense was—and may never be his forte—a smoother shot that can translate into an increased, reliable point production would obviously serve as a huge asset for the Heels.

Nevertheless, practice and improvement will not make a difference unless they are implemented in games. Ginyard’s injury-prone lower extremities may prevent him from transforming hard work into meaningful results, much to the detriment of North Carolina. 

As the team’s third-leading scorer (11.0 PPG), leader in steals (19), and second in assists (47), the Heels absolutely need Ginyard to remain healthy, in both body and mind, to avoid future losses and strengthen their chance at winning.

Plus, Ginyard’s leadership is sorely missed—his teammates unable to feel his impact with his limited court time.

Like Ginyard, Graves has also struggled with a nagging ankle injury, which he sprained.

He sat out UNC’s game against the College of Charleston and could only watch in agony from the sideline, as his team self-imploded to another road loss.

When Graves returned at the very next game, it was clear what kind of role and effect Graves’ game has on the overall performance of the Tar Heels.  Even in that one game against the Hokies, one could notice the dichotomy that exists when Graves plays well against when he plays poorly.

In the first half, Graves made 1-of-6 field goals. In the second half he was perfect, making all four of his shot attempts including a trio of three-pointers.

While he may not be an established leader in any specific facet of the game, Graves still remains North Carolina’s best outside shooting prospect.  When he goes on a hot streak—and if he can develop into a consistent sharpshooter—Graves creates a lot of much-needed positive energy and momentum for the Heels.  

For a team whose game relies on a quick tempo-fueled offensive production, a solid showing by Graves from the perimeter should serve as a big boost in the team’s overall confidence, focus, and high level of play. 

Graves’ shot at turning this into a reality lies in defense, as he stated that sharp and scrappy defensive play gets his confidence and blood going, to the point where he is motivated to capitalize on that on offense.

Both Ginyard and Graves have the chance to prove themselves and alter the winless road streak tonight at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum.

Tar Heels fans can only hope the duo will change the current narrative of North Carolina's trek on the road.