Why UNC Must Get to the Final Four

After the dominating run to the 2009 National Title, it looked as if the North Carolina Tar Heels were set up quite nicely for the foreseeable future – and in a couple of years at the most, they would be back in the Final Four. Well fast forward six long years to 2015 and Carolina hasn’t been back to the promise land, which doesn’t sit all that well with the faithful. Going into the 2015-16 UNC is expected to be one of the top teams in the country and with that being said, the expectations for this squad should be Final Four or bust.

For starters, this is a veteran bunch who has underachieved. These guys should have a chip on their collective shoulders, which should result in the Heels playing with a sense of urgency all season long. Seniors Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson have had solid careers to this point but their lack of success in the big dance can’t be overlooked. Johnson, Paige and this senior class has made it as far as the Sweet 16 only once (last season), so a deep run in March is long over due for this group.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Another reason why Carolina must make it to Houston (Final Four site) is the perception of the program. The letters UNC will get Roy Williams in the living room of most of the top prospects, but as of late it hasn’t been enough to seal the deal with the top high school ballers. Carolina is still an elite program, however, for the youngsters of today the pitch that Kentucky, Kansas and even Duke are presenting seems to be resonating a little more than the one the Tar Heels are coming with.

I’m well aware that the “academic scandal” has played it’s part in UNC  missing out on a few guys, but if you’re being honest you can’t deny that this squad’s recent troubles in March is just as big a reason for some of the top prospects going elsewhere. I for one believe that Ol’ Roy is going to bring in a major haul far as the 2016 recruiting class goes. But if Carolina can at the least make it to the National Semi-Final, it could persuade one of those elite prospects  who likes to wait after the season to choose a school, to make Chapel Hill his home.

Last but not least is the program needs something really good to happen. Ever since Kendall Marshall got pushed out the air and broke his wrist, it seems as if this great program has had a black cloud over it. The P.J. Hairston saga killed one season, and the last two campaigns have been roller coaster rides. It’s time for these Tar Heels to do something special for themselves and the best fan base in sports.

Bottom line, the 2015-2016 North Carolina Tar Heels must get to the Final Four! An Elite Eight won’t cut it, they must get to Houston! And with the amount of talent and experience returning, fans should be hopeful the team can do just that — make it back to college basketball’s biggest stage.