UNC-Michigan State Random Thoughts

Just a few more hours until tip-off between the Tarheels and Spartans at Ford Field. The winner will be the undisputed "Team of the Decade" in college hoops with the loser taking up third place behind Florida. UNC won the national title in 2005 and has appeared in four Final Four's (2000, 2005, 2008, 2009). Michigan State won the national title in 2000 and has appeared in four Final Four's (2000, 2001, 2005, 2009). They have identical resumes in their quest to pass Florida (national titles in 2006 and 2007, Final Four team in 2000) as the best team of the decade... In the battle of the coaches, I have to go with Tom Izzo. He took over at Michigan State in 1995 and has led the Spartans to the Final Four five times (1999 being the other appearance) and a national championship. His teams always play tough, hard nosed defense. They often overachieve and find ways to beat teams with more natural talent (ask UConn). Roy Williams is a fine coach who knows how to sweet talk high school All-Americans into making Chapel Hill their home during college but on the sidelines, making decisions and adjustments in game, he is no Izzo... The nation is falling in love with the underdog Spartans but can someone please stop for a minute and keep in mind that Tyler Hansbrough is about to end one of the most amazing college basketball careers of all-time? Ok, I'll step up. Hansbrough has scored 2854 points over 141 games (20.2 per game) and has snared 1212 rebounds (8.6). He has been a first team All-American three times (2007-2009), first team All-ACC four times (2006-2009), national player of the year (2008) and ACC player of the year (2008). He is the ACC's all-time leading scorer and had his number retired at UNC prior to the 2008-09 season (on account of winning national player of the year in 2008). He has led Carolina to the Final Four for the second consecutive season and is one game away from winning his first national championship and the fifth for the school (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005). Many people have overlooked Hansbrough, partly because his work ethic often gets more credit than his natural talents. Another reason for the ignorance is because he is the rare four-year star in the college game and in an era when people always want to celebrate what is new, Hansbrough is seen as yesterday's news. Win or lose, tonight will be the last time he takes the court as a college player. Make sure to enjoy the occassion... I like the Tarheels tonight. I don't think State can defend Hansbrough inside. Ty Lawson is the best point guard in the nation. Wayne Ellington is a deadly accurate shooter. The 'Heels also have depth at every position. As great of a ride as the Spartans have been on, Carolina just has too many weapons to be stopped. 89-76, UNC... Enjoy "One Shining Moment" tonight...