Morning Heel: UNC Tar Heels Daily News Links

Welcome to another edition of the Morning Heel, a daily feature here at Keeping It Heel.  Along with The Hub we want to bring you not only our original content but a collection of all the best UNC news.

Tyler Zeller setting own path from his basketball brothers
Tyler Zeller is the one (of the Zeller brothers) who always has veered to a slightly different path. He’s the only one who left the state to attend college, making his parents drive 10 hours to see him at North Carolina — which they did often. He’s the only one who would rather listen than talk, the one who wishes he could have studied engineering and never passes up an opportunity to build something with his own hands. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

No. 11 Tar Heels putting the pieces together
North Carolina coach Roy Williams knew what last year’s team could accomplish before the season. The Hall of Fame coach has more questions than answers this time. ”Last year we were picked first (in the ACC) and I thought that was fine because I thought we could be the best team,” Williams said. “I don’t have any idea what the ceiling could be for this team.” (Yahoo! Sports)

‘Strick’ly Business’ for UNC senior guard
Late in the first half of Friday’s exhibition victory against Shaw, North Carolina senior Dexter Strickland tipped the ball away on defense, raced down the court to grab it, and finished the play with a layup. He looked like the Strickland of old — speedy, defensive-minded, fearless. But perhaps more importantly, the combo guard said he felt like the player of old, too. (ESPN.com)

17 Tar Heels In The NBA
The University of North Carolina has 17 former Tar Heels on 2012-13 NBA opening day rosters, equalling the second-highest total among any college basketball program according to RPI Ratings.com. The 17 Tar Heels on active rosters are the most UNC has had to start an NBA season. Kentucky has 20 players, North Carolina and Duke both have 17, Kansas is fourth with 14. (GoHeels.com)

Audio: David Glenn Chats With Bubba Cunningham, Oct. 31
David Glenn recently caught up with UNC AD Bubba Cunningham. Among the topics they discussed: What it’s been like inheriting NCAA investigations and scandals as UNC’s athletic director; how self-critical the NCAA is; why Cunningham believes the NCAA should remain in place; what UNC’s approach is regarding academic standards for student-athletes; and how the UNC fan base has responded to Larry Fedora. (ACC Sports Journal)

ACC Player Of The Year Watch, Oct. 31
1. Gio Bernard is the most indispensable player in the ACC, period. The Heels are 6-1 with him and 0-2 without him. Consider what he did in the Tar Heels’ “Super Bowl” on Saturday: 304 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns, delivering the defining moment of the 2012 ACC season to date. If you’re not convinced, you’re probably wearing a T-Shirt that reads “Our State.” (ACC Sports Journal)

UNC selling game-worn metallic helmets
For those interested in purchasing a metallic helmet, here is information on how to do that: Tar Heel Sports Properties is excited to offer Tar Heel fans a piece of Carolina Football history. Fresh off a thrilling 43-35 victory over NC State a limited number of game worn metallic helmets are being offered for $750.00 a helmet (plus sales tax and $25 shipping/handling). (UNC Football)

Despite ‘legendary’ status, Bernard no lock for individual honors
Because Giovani Bernard’s team is located so far off the national radar, few outside the state of North Carolina noticed his performance. If a top back representing an SEC school had amassed 304 all-purpose yards against an emotional rival, the Downtown Athletic Club would already be engraving his name on the Heisman Trophy. (Wilmington Star News)

UNC Football: It’s Hard, but Remember this is Going to take Patience
Fans of North Carolina football want a consistent contender, and they want it now, but I have a simple message for all of you, it’s not going to happen as fast as you want it. The Tar Heels are a talented team and I understand the absolutely dire desire to see a perennial top 25 team on the field…KIH