Tar Heels Tidbits: North Carolina gears up for NCAA Tournament

Experienced Tar Heels hope for another deep run in March

It’s that time of year again. Yes, March Madness has arrived.

After winning three games in three days, but falling to Virginia in the ACC championship game, the Tar Heels earned a 2-seed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Their first contest is a game against 15th-seeded Lipscomb in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Three Tar Heels were named to the All-ACC Tournament team, and Joel Berry II broke a UNC record during his team’s most recent victory over the Duke Blue Devils.

The Carolina baseball team is trying to get back on track, and a big win over Louisville on Sunday could be a good start.

And a former UNC football star got married over the weekend.

We’ve got all of that and more in this edition of Tar Heels Tidbits.

Baseball

• The Carolina baseball team knocked off previously undefeated Louisville in blowout fashion on Sunday afternoon. The Tar Heels’ 11-hit, 10-run effort helped them improve their record to 8-7 on the season.

Basketball

• North Carolina was named a 2-seed in the West Region of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels will have the opportunity to play their first two tournament games in Charlotte, before possible matchups with Michigan and Xavier in later rounds.

• Three Tar Heels earned All-ACC Tournament team honors for their performance in leading North Carolina to its sixth title game appearance in eight years. Two Tar Heels were named to the All-Tournament first team, and one to the second team.
• Joel Berry II played in his 60th ACC win as a member of the Tar Heels on Saturday night. He passed former teammates Isaiah Hicks and Nate Britt, who had 59 a piece, moving him into first-place all-time at UNC.

Football

• Former North Carolina wide receiver and kick returner Ryan Switzer got married to his fiance, Gabby, in Chapel Hill on Saturday night. A number of Tar Heels, both past and current, attended the wedding, which was officiated by University of North Carolina chaplain, Mitch Mason.

UNC in the Pros

• Isaiah Hicks has appeared in six of the New York Knicks’ past 12 games. Although his role with the team has been minor, he has played double-digit minutes three times and scored in five of six games.

Recruiting

• University of North Carolina signee Coby White was named North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. The 6-foot-5, 170-pound combo guard averaged 31.1 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists per game in his senior season with Greenfield School.
• Coby White and fellow class of 2018 commit Nassir Little were named to the Jordan Brand Classic All-Star Game to be played on April 8th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

• Class of 2018 UNC signee Rechon Black scored nine points on Saturday night in helping Cox Mill repeat as North Carolina 3A state champions. Five-star prospect and UNC target Wendell Moore led the Chargers with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, including six free throws in the game’s final minute.