How Much Pressure is on UNC?

Recently, we saw the No. 1 UNC Tar Heels, who had been dominating their competition, get knocked off at home by their conference foe, the Eagles of Boston College.

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Ironically, just last night, the mighty Crimson of Harvard beat these same Eagles, and I am not talking about at a debate match but a full regulation basketball game. Got to love basketball.

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The Tar Heels’ loss got me thinking. Yes, first time is always the hardest.

Last year, UNC reached the Final Four and returned majority of its players this year, while also pulling in arguably the top freshman class in the country.

Four of its top players, including the National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, turned down the glamour and money of the NBA to come back to Chapel Hill in hopes of winning an NCAA championship together in ‘09. They would be stacked for the 2008-09 season.

After watching UNC earlier this season, I argued they are one of the best teams we have seen in some time and they would go undefeated this season. I was not alone with my prediction, and obviously, I and others were wrong.

I do not mean to magnify this loss, it happens in basketball all the time. Even the greatest teams will have off nights; they may shoot poorly or not execute the game plan. But, what strikes me is how much pressure there has to be on these Tar Heels, particularly the four who turned down the NBA to come back to school? I mean, wouldn’t anything less than a championship be a failure?

Yes, maybe their NBA stock may go up in the draft with improvement but have they improved that much to make a difference? I mean, if you are in their shoes, everyday aren’t you probably second guessing your decision, and the only way it gets validated is if you win a championship?

Seems to me there would be plenty of pressure there.

Now, what about teams in the future? If the Tar Heels don’t win it all, will another group “come back” together to win a championship? Don’t you think their agents, friends, and family would be in their ear saying, “Look at the ‘09 Tar Heels, didn’t work for them. Enter the draft. Oh, by the way I want the new Benz…”

I guess pressure is life and what better time than now for these kids to face it. Life is also about facing the consequences from your decisions, and with either outcome, these players will have matured and learned from either journey.

I am still a strong believer that UNC will win the NCAA championship this year. After all, they have the most talent and an excellent coach. Oh, and lets not forget who really likes to see kids return to school and win championships—the NCAA.

Image Source: CBS