Just like the title says. What inspired basketball! Played by the Boston College Eagles.

I don't know the answer to the problems currently plaguing the Tar Heel men's basketball team. I'll just ramble about my concerns.

From the beginning of the season, I have been worried about the half-court offense. The signature of a Roy Williams team is that they run, and the current Tar Heels have the personnel to do that. But what happens after a made basket? What happens when you're playing another running team, one that runs back on defense? What happens if you don't have a Raymond Felton handling the ball for 35 minutes a game?

Our offense simply seems to be: Step 1) Dump the ball to Tyler. Step 2) Four other players watch.

That is wrong. Tyler Hansbrough is a phenomenal basketball player. He is strong and has already proven that he can compete with the best post players in college basketball. He has an uncanny ability to take contact and finish a play, then add another point from the free throw line. What he cannot do, however, is continue to beat the triple team. Tyler has done a commendable job of getting to the rack, but teams are figuring that out. Throughout most of the season, #50 has been our only consistenly reliable offensive weapon!

I know, I know. Wes Miller has hit some big shots. Danny Green is coming along. Reyshawn Terry has assumed a leadership mantle during some games. David Noel, at the beginning of the season, was a clear leader.

But where's the consistency? Where have you gone, David Noel? You were the senior leader, the one with the turnaround jumper, the thunderous dunks and the solid rebounding! Where has that gone? I know there's a tremendous amount of pressure that goes along with carrying a young team through the rigors of the ACC, but you looked like you were the man to do it in the earlygoing.

Reyshawn, where are the smart shots? Quentin, why dribble into trouble?

These are questions that won't be answered, of course, but things that ought to be addressed.

As of right now, here's a quick rundown of the rotation. Not a grade on the season to date, but a look at the team as of last night, and if they're meeting or exceeding expectations.

Playing above expectations: Wes Miller, Danny Green, Byron Sanders

Playing at expectations: Tyler Hansbrough (he is the best player on the team; expectations are higher for him than anyone), Marcus Ginyard, Bobby Frasor (Passing and defense from freshmen)

Playing below expectations: David Noel (hate to do it), Reyshawn Terry, Quentin Thomas.

So you see that the players who are playing beyond expectations aren't necessarily the big-impact guys. Tyler is the clear foundation that this team works from. That's fine, but he needs support, and he needs the experienced team members to steer the ship (forgive the cliches).

The Tar Heels have a rough stretch ahead: home against Arizona, a team looking to assert itself and that would love nothing more than to steal one in the Smith Center.
at Maryland, which was a difficult task last year against an NIT team, even playing with Marvin, Sean and Raymond.

at home against Clemson, who would love to break that win streak, and then at home against Duke, who is Duke. They're on TV more than 'Leave it to Beaver' reruns.

Lately, it looks as though this team is buying into the 'young' excuse. They're not supposed to win, so they have a built-in excuse.

The worst thing that can happen to a young team is getting comfortable with losing. I'm not comfortable with that.

Thanks for letting me ramble.