UNC Basketball - What a Great Present!

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I started to become a UNC basketball fan as a freshman. As an out-of-stater with no prior interest, I quickly realized that knowing something about basketball was an important survival skill in Chapel Hill - where strangers of every age would literally stop you on the sidewalks of E.Franklin to talk about basketball.

I don't know if there is any other team that has been as rewarding to follow. I suspect not. Since my freshman year, UNC has had a 1367-420 W-L record. That's 76.5%. And counting.

That's an Elite Eight or better nearly every other year (25 in my 52 years as a fan). And another this year will come as no surprise.

As it turns out, becoming a UNC basketball fan back then has been the gift that keeps on giving.

My Christmas wish for all my fellow fans is many more years of the same.

 

[kevindow]

I came to UNC from Univ. of CA-Davis in 1980 to enroll in the School of Public Health for a MSPH program (graduated 1982). UCDavis was a division whatever school with no price for admission to football or basketball games -- the players were happy to see any and all fans !!

I remember games at Carmichael Auditorium -- capacity about 8K --with Dean Smith as coach, Matt Doherty setting the screens for Al Wood, Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Sam Perkins, with Jimmy Black leading the charge. That small venue was a definite home court advantage, whereas the Dean Dome has never been such an advantage.At the time they said that there are only 3 things definite in life: death, taxes and the Al Wood jumper !

I still remember a game between UNC and Virginia at Carmichael, and Al Wood was charging hard against a retreating Ralph Sampson. Al Wood stopped at the top of the key (no 3-point line) and swished a shot. The crowd erupted. And the stands were made of wood, and the place was crazy-loud.

And then I saw Lawrence Taylor in person as he played some pick up basketball in the basketball courts adjoining Carmichael. His thighs had the circumference of my waist, and he was humble and engaged the fans with ease. Truly impressive !!

So for me, Tarheel for life, no matter what comes UNC's way.

Kevin

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I was born on campus at UNC hospital!

For 52.5 years I have followed a team that excels on the court, is socially active off the court, and believes in the strength of Family!

UNC is part of me!
I am part of UNC!