December 8 is HeelsBlog's first birthday. Here's a link to the very first HeelsBlog post.

I started the site as a forum for me to express my ideas and opinions on all things having to do with Tar Heel athletics.


It's been a whole lot of fun, even if I haven't been able to write as much as I'd have liked in the first year. There were a lot of posts that first month, as the basketball Heels were showing what kind of force they were going to be, and the football Heels were preparing for the Continental Tire Bowl. It's slowed down considerably since, but 244 articles is pretty good.

I want to thank you for making HeelsBlog a stop during your web surfing to check out one fan's opinion. Also many thanks to the contributors I've enlisted at various points along the way. A special note of appreciation has to go to HeelsBlogGirl, who's been right beside me at countless Tar Heel games. Football, basketball, volleyball, whatever. We've had a blast supporting our alma mater. She's also been great about throwing her two cents in on the topic of the day.

Last week, I renewed the domain for another year. I've had too much fun to stop now. Here's to a great first year, and more to come.

In celebration of HeelsBlog's birthday, I'd like everyone - EVERYONE - who has ever signed up for an account to comment on this thread with your favorite Tar Heel moment from the past year. It could be something you experienced personally (running into Rashad McCants at Barnes & Noble), or something we all experienced with the Heels.

But if you're going to say the NCAA Championship, tell me something specific about the game or season. The moment you knew this was special. A block, steal, dunk or shot that told you how much fun this was going to be.

I've had a lot of fun HeelsBlogging. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to your comments.

I'll grant that it was a sloppy first half. Of course it was: the Heels trailed by three at the break. But the second half of basketball might have been the most complete we've seen from this young team early in the season.

I think the first half was a combination of two. 1  - Fatigue from a big road win mixed with the pressure of being newly-ranked. 2- St. Louis is not a bad team, and came in with the same feeling that we took to Kentucky.

Don't laugh at me - St. Louis might be a factor in the Atlantic 14 this year. They've got good post play and solid guards.

Two game balls go out tonight - both to freshmen. Bobby Frasor had a huge game. Twelve assists? That's unheard of for a freshman. Big shot to end the first half - he's so quick.

Tyler had a dominant second half under the basket. I think I saw him almost crack a smile after the dunk follow.

Nice balanced scoring from the big three (Hansbrough, Noel, Terry). See the SI box score.

Will the real Wes Miller please stand up? He's hitting from everywhere, as long as he doesn't rush his shot.

Still some sloppy/lazy play at times, letting St. Louis stay in a game that should have been over before it was. That can be tuned up in the ten days off.

Grant Wahl has the Heels' freshman class as one of the nation's best. I can't disagree. These kids are being forced into action early, and that is something that will pay dividends for years.

Reyshawn Terry is carving out  his role in the Tar Heel system. He's finding his way and will only contribute more as the season progresses.

I'll look at each Tar Heel's role on this team in a more in-depth entry to come. Tar Heels off ten days before taking on Santa Clara on Dec. 17 at home.

Last note: My instant message to HeelsBlogGirl at the half: "I think we win this game 12+"

When you got it, you got it. :)