Advertisement
basketball Edit

THI Ranks The Top-10 Of 2017: Nos. 6-10

The commencement of building the new indoor football practice facility was one of the top things that happened in 2017.
The commencement of building the new indoor football practice facility was one of the top things that happened in 2017.

With 2017 in the books, THI is taking a look at the 10 best moments for UNC football and basketball that we covered over the last year. This installment ranks Nos. 6-10.

Here is our list:

6- Nassir Little Commits

Advertisement

It had been eight years since North Carolina’s fabled basketball program had landed a top-10 prospect when Nassir Little popped for the Tar Heels this past fall, which still doesn’t quite put into perspective the importance of his commitment and eventual signing in November. Harrison Barnes was the last top-10 future Tar Heel to previously commit in 2009, and while Roy Williams was still getting major talent, the drop off was considerable once the NCAA investigation had basketball in the national spotlight for things other than winning titles and hanging up banners. So Little choosing UNC not long after the NCAA closed its case against UNC without any punishment was an indication times were reverting back to the norm.

7- Building An Indoor Facility

It’s no secret that North Carolina’s football program can use any advantage at its disposal. And as one of the last ACC programs without an indoor practice facility, Larry Fedora has been fighting an uphill battle when it comes to facilities. UNC has nice stuff, and plenty of it, but not having an indoor facility is a bad look for a P5 program this day and age, plus it hamstrings the program at times, too. But that won’t be an issue much longer, as the Heels will open their new, state-of-the-art facility next fall.

8- Heels Beat Duke, Win ACC RS Title

Regular season championships mean a lot to Roy Williams, as they reflect a full season of work, so there’s been an emphasis during his time at UNC to go after the regular season title every year. So winning it, and especially beating Duke on the last day of the season to achieve it, is always special in Chapel Hill. And that’s what the Tar Heels did last March 4 with a 90-83 victory. Joel Berry scored 28 points and Isaiah Hicks added 21 to lead the Heels to the top seed in the ACC Tournament.

9- Berry Returns

In the end, Joel Berry really didn’t give a lot of thought to going pro after his junior season, but he did give it some consideration. Berry actually entered his name to test the waters, but quickly removed it and announced he’d return to UNC for his senior campaign. The decision was huge for this year’s team because he’s its leader and engine, and for him it further cements his place in Tar Heels’ basketball lore. It’s a win-win for both parties.

10- Roy Wins Nos. 400 & 800

Roy Williams still doesn’t get enough credit for his success. Those who aren’t as sold on Williams see him as a great recruiter whose teams simply out-talent and outscore most opponents, but that’s just silly. Watch him up close and you realize quickly the man is one of the best ever in the sport. Three national titles in 12 years, 8 Final Fours overall, six title game appearances, and of course, racking up his 400th UNC win and 800th overall victory in 2017 also hammers home the realty that he’s a legend and should be regarded as such by all peers, media and fans.

Advertisement