2006 North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball Preview

2006 North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball Predictions

North Carolina was supposed to be absent from the NCAA mix last season, having lost four starters to the NBA and its seven top scorers. But they proved everyone wrong by going 23- 8 overall and 12- 4 in the ACC. They are improved and experienced and back. They could be the best team in their conference and in the entire nation.

Sophomore Bobby Frasor (6.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.4 APG, 37.4 FG%, 77.3 FT%) has the versatility to play either guard position, while junior Quentin Thomas (2.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 42.6 FG%, 54.2 FT%) is a solid playmaker. First year players Wayne Ellington, a great perimeter shooter, and Ty Lawson, who plays point with smarts and energy, may both get the starting nod in the backcourt.

In front, there is the dominant Tyler Hansbrough (18.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 57.0 FG%, 73.9 FT%) at center. If the sophomore sticks around for three more seasons, this team could win three championships. He uses his long arms and quickness to make things happen. Last season Hansbrough was double-teamed a lot. This year, he’s joined by freshman scoring machine forward Brandon Wright and two strong defensive first year players—Alex Stepheson and Deon Thompson. Senior Reyshawn Terry (14.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 47.4 FG%, 80.0 FT%) has packed some pounds onto his 6’ 8” frame and should be more effective taking it to the basket.

Coach Roy Williams (75- 23 and 2004- 05 National Championship) starts his fourth year with the Tar Heels with nothing to prove and a lot to do, like win another championship. Williams has six of the finest recruits in the country and six of his most prolific scorers are back. Much of the scoring for North Carolina is from the inside, with the guards focusing on creating plays and defense.

The Tar Heels finished second last season in the highly competitive ACC, when they were expected to simply flounder. They look great on paper but paper does not win basketball games. If this team can gel, it could be unstoppable.

If you want more info on the 2006 North Carolina Tar Heels College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Duke Blue Devils and Boston College Eagles.