Tar Heel Recruits-2006

It is never too early to start looking at the Tar Heels recruiting class for 2006 so I will give you a quick run down of the future Heels. Let us start with one that got away, Kevin Durant, a wing player who had narrowed his choices to UNC, UCONN, and Texas; being a native of Texas more than likely gave them the edge, but with the Tar Heels already snatching the top point gaurd and shooting gaurd from the Class of 2006, Durant made a perfect fit and addition for the Heels, where he would man the 3 spot. In addition, he attends Oak Hill Academy and Steve Smith (coach) has a good relationship with UNC and some of his former players include: Jerry Stackhouse and Jeff McInnis. It may have been the best thing that happened to the Heels, however, because rumors are already swirling that Kevin Durant will forego his college career and opt for the NBA should no age limit be installed (I'll cover that topic later).

Now on to the members of the class of 06 that will call Chapel Hill their home. First, lets start off with Tywon Lawson, a strong point guard that will most likely be able to step in and start in his first year as a Tar Heel. Recently, Tywon participated in the 19th annual World Juniors Tournament in France where he was joined by players such as Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay (UCONN) and Joe Crawford (UK). Even though the future Tar Heel was surrounded by future stars and current NCAA Basketball players, he was able to shine more than any of them, taking home the the MVP. To give you a sense of just how complete of a player Tywon is, he posted 27 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in the championship game. It is safe to say that Chapel Hill awaits the arrival of this soon to be Tar Heel.

The second commitment that UNC has already received from the class of 2006 is Wayne Ellington. Wayne is a 6'4 shooting guard and a dead eye shooter, a perfect fit along side former teammate Lawson. Ellington is said to be one of the best three guards in the class of '06 (Tywon being one of the three too) so the backcourt for the Tar Heels should be more than solid for at least 2 years.

The Tar Heels are by no means close to closing out this recruiting classes and when it is all said and done, the Heels may have reeled in one of the best recruiting classes in UNC history. I will keep my eyes and ears peeled and update you should there be any more news worth getting excited about--already these two alongside of Tyler Hansborough (Class of '05) will be a team that will make a run at the final four, if not in 2007, for sure in 2008.

Hark The Sound

Late night and thought I would recite the Carolina Fight Song, (well at least the oldest)--feel free to sing it any where at any time:

Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Ringing clear and true.
Singing Carolina's praises.
Shouting N-C-U.
Hail to the brightest star of all
Clear its radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem.
Receive all praises thine.

Hark the Sound originated back in 1897, but later on circa 1932 "I'm a Tar Heel Born" was added to the end of Hark the Sound. So feel free to sing Hark the Sound and follow it up with this:

Tar Heel Born

I'm a Tar Heel born
I'm a Tar Heel bred
And when I dieI'm a Tar Heel dead.
So it's Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
GO TO HELL STATE (or you can substitute Duke or any other school)

Tar Heel Update

I apologize for the delay from the last post to this one, but there isn't much going on and what is going on isn't exactly great news for the Tar Heels. It seems like every year (at least for the past 5) that the Diamond Heels start on fire, but fizzle towards the end of the year and bow out either in the regionals or super regionals. This year was no different as the Heels climbed to a top 5 ranking before starting to fade and eventually bowing out to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in this years Florida regional, extending their College World Series hiatus to 16 years.

On a more positive note, the Heels have won the Carlyle Cup. The Carlyle Cup goes to the winner of overall sports between the Tar Heels and arch nemesis Duke Blue Devils.

I think I will leave for now, but will be back soon to update you on the future NBA Tar Heels: Raymond Felton, Marvin Williams, Rashad McCants, and Jawad Williams. I will also give a quick update on the University of North Carolina Men's Basketball recruits of 2006. It is going to be a good one, should no one decide to go straight to the NBA (like J.R. Smith did this past year).