Discussion
The Heels faced off against another ranked foe in Kentucky today in what turned out to be a barn burner. UNC only led for a moment, but hung in, erasing two double-digit deficits, but ended up losing by a couple of possessions.

On offense the Heels scored an excellent 0.97 pts/poss, and held Kentucky to 0.88. That is the best performance against a Power 5 opponent, even if it is just short of the team's goal.

The real problem in this game was rebounding. Kentucky enjoyed 13 more possessions than UNC. The Heels have only been out-rebounded this badly 16 times in their last 1001 games. UNC's Offensive Rebound Percentage was a paltry 20%. Even worse was that it allowed Kentucky to rebound 43% of their misses. Next up is Oklahoma, where we will learn even more about this team.

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RIP big man.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023


Tar Heel Eric Montross Succumbs to Cancer at Age 52

CHAPEL HILL – The family of Eric Montross (Laura, Sarah, Andrew and Megan) is announcing that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill. Eric was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023, and his family is grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace.

They also thank the many members of the medical community—and particularly those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center—who matched his fight with equal passion. To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.

The family asks for privacy during this difficult period.

Eric played for head coach Dean Smith and the Tar Heels from 1990-94, including his freshman and sophomore seasons as a teammate of current UNC head coach Hubert Davis. He was the starting center in 1993, when the Tar Heels won the NCAA championship.

He was named first-team All-ACC in 1993, was a member of the John Wooden All-America team as a senior and earned NCAA East Region and Final Four all-tournament honors in leading Carolina to the 1993 national championship.

A first-round draft pick by the Boston Celtics, Eric played nine seasons in the NBA. He was the analyst on the Tar Heel Sports Network for 18 seasons until he stepped away from the microphone this season. He also was senior major gifts director at the Rams Club.

Carolina Athletics Statement:

“Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family and the entire University community are profoundly saddened and stunned by the loss of Eric Montross, one of our most beloved former student-athletes, at far too young an age. Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court. He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.

“He helped the Rams Club secure scholarships for student-athletes, and as color analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network he brought perspective, heart and humor to UNC fans near and far. Eric also became an ardent supporter of the Lineberger Center while in college and remained a leader in the fight against cancer throughout his life.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Laura, his children and entire family, and his colleagues and friends. The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable.”

After watching the game last Night I had to wait until today to voice my opinion. 1 we need to recruit athletic Bigs who are Versatile and not one dimensional. Once again Bacot got exposed again good knee or bad knee.It would not made a Difference, He is playing so soft to be a 5 year Guy. Can we have our team show up together at the same time. OUT rebounded and our shots were getting Blocks.I will stop there.Davis is a Great player but 5 TO'S is unexcusable welcome back Ryan.

Game is scheduled to be on ESPN2 at 9:30 pm.

Prediction Contest Results Through Kentucky Game - Contest #1​

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Contest #1

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Oklahoma is last Game for Contest #5
Top 6 players win 3-month subscription to Premium
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Contest 5: Early Season Non-Conference Contest (only games that UNC participating )
Winners: Top 6 players win 3-month subscription to Premium

• Battle for Atlantis (Possible opponents - Arkansas, Memphis, Michigan, Texas Tech, Villanova)
• Tennessee (ACC/SEC Challenge)
• UConn (Jimmy V Classic)
• Kentucky (CBS Sports Classic)
• Oklahoma (Jumpman Invitational)

If there is a tie for the last spot, there will be a 1-game playoff

From Keenan Cummings, who covers West Virginia, regarding opt outs in the bowl game:

“Right now no official opt outs but they've had some guys enter the portal such as Mike Lockhart, Hershey McLaurin, Justin Johnson.

“Mike Lockhart and Hershey McLaurin likely missed the most. Lockhart was the starting nose guard but they have depth behind him. McLaurin played at spear, which is a hybrid linebacker/safety role and shared that spot.”

Gents - haven’t made it to a game since 1/22

Are the decks on Manning still pay to park ?