Joel Berry provides advice to current struggling UNC basketball squad

It's been a bit of a rough go for the UNC basketball program of late, as they've dropped three of their last five games.

After winning 10 consecutive games, the Tar Heels haven't been able to keep the success going, as some disappointing losses have put them just a half game ahead of rival Duke in the ACC conference standings.

Former UNC basketball star Joel Berry II is a player that experienced a lot during his time in Chapel Hill, as he knows not only what it takes to win in the ACC, but also how hard it is to do so. Following the loss to Syracuse on Tuesday night, we proceeded to ask Berry what advise he'd give to this year's squad as they go through this rough stretch.

Fittingly, Berry knew exactly what to say:

Berry's main point was to remind the guys that they are in first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As the former Tar Heel noted, that's obviously not an easy thing to do!

He went on to pinpoint defense as the area that they need to focus on. Berry cites how the defense was the focal point of the 10-game winning streak, and says that it's essential to focus on the controllable factors that contribute to winning games.

Defense is definitely a controllable factor.

The Tar Heels effort on the defensive end hasn't been as strong of late, as it is an area that they can definitely improve upon.

What we do know is, this group proved they can be an elite defensive squad: they've just hit a rough patch in that effort.

Hubert Davis should bring Berry in to talk to the squad, as his experience and wisdom could definitely help this group get back on the right track. In sports, teams go through ups and downs, but the great teams find a way to regroup and get back to their winning ways.