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March Madness: Five reasons why North Carolina will win it all

By Michael Foy

Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) celebrates at the end of the game. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) celebrates at the end of the game. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) handles the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. The Tar Heels won 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) handles the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. The Tar Heels won 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Joel Berry

I realize Justin Jackson won ACC Player of the Year and that was a deserved title (sorry Luke Kennard). Jackson put up great numbers and was as consistent as anyone all season long.

That being said, Joel Berry is the Tar Heels’ most important player. When he doesn’t play, their offense is noticeably different, and not in a good way. His absence (due to foul trouble) was a major reason why Duke came back and defeated UNC in the ACC Tournament. In the two games he missed this season, UNC beat Davidson 83-74 and Tennessee 73-71. In both games, especially Tennessee, the Tar Heels offense looked extremely stagnant.

Berry is recovering from his second ankle injury, which will be the most prayed for body part in the state of North Carolina this week. If he is 100%, North Carolina’s offense will be playing at an extremely high level that just may carry them to a national title.

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