Let me just get this out of the way 2 weeks before the season starts. The expectations for my beloved Tar Heels need to be kept in perspective.

#1 What team in the country can lose 4 starters and honestly compete for the National Title?

#2 Have you seen their schedule? The Heels play 5 (count them) nationally ranked teams BEFORE the ACC season even starts. Many have called it the toughest schedule in Division 1 basketball. (MSU, @Kentucky, @Texas in new Texas stadium, OSU in NYC)

So here’s the deal, if Larry Drew II can run this offense, not like Ty Lawson, but as a true point guard, the Heels will be just fine. Their front line is the best in the country. Period. Their back court is full of question marks. Drew, Ginyard, Graves and Strickland are the names to watch. The Heels will go as the back court goes.

I still believe the Heels will be in Indianapolis in early April. I’m actually hoping for it as I will probably be there too. However if this back court cannot knock down the open looks and run the offense, a sweet 16 birth could be a best case scenario.