UNC Basketball: Return of John Henson Will Spark Deep Tourney Run

Without John Henson, North Carolina is a good basketball team.

With the two-time ACC Defender of the Year, North Carolina is one of the two best teams in college basketball and should be unstoppable in the NCAA tournament, at least until it reaches what I believe will be an NCAA championship game of epic proportions against Kentucky.

On the year, Henson averaged 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. Those numbers are impossible to replace, especially for a team that likes to get out and run off of defensive rebounds and isn't the staunchest defensive team in the land.

Henson returned to action on Sunday against a very good Creighton squad, and if the first half is any indication, his return has been much needed. Carolina was up by as many as 15 in the first half and led Creighton 43-35 in the first half.

More importantly, Henson's presence down low was felt, as he had six points, eight rebounds and two blocks in the first half.

Should North Carolina advance past Creighton, the team's overall talent and ability to score in droves should carry it past either Ohio or USF in the Sweet 16.

But if the Tar Heels meet Kansas in the Elite Eight, they'll absolutely need Henson—along with a strong showing from Tyler Zeller—to compete with players like Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey on the block.

Henson represents balance for North Carolina. Without him, the Tar Heels still have enough talent to outscore opponents but will struggle deeper in the tournament against teams that are strong inside like Kansas, Ohio State, Michigan State and Kentucky.

With him, they have an excellent chance at winning a national championship.

Hit me up on Twitter—I've tweeted from Lehigh's campus before. Seriously.