The North Carolina Tar Heels are 7-0 and have their best start since the 2008-2009 championship team. Not only are they 7-0 but they are an easy 7-0, have yet to be tested outside of maybe Hawaii in which was easily their worst performance of the young season. Right now, on November 24th, 2016, the Tar Heels are the best team in college basketball.
It's early, that's the obvious. But UNC is the most complete team right now and the only team rivaling them right now is the current number one ranked team, the Kentucky Wildcats. I'm nitpicking when I say I think they should be ranked higher, UNC is currently fourth and UK is currently first, so it's not like UNC is being undersold. Or are they? UNC and UK will have their shot to see who is better when the teams meet in a few weeks in Rupp Arena. But let's go back to my question, I believe that before this weekend and probably still, many are shorting the Tar Heels the credit they deserve. In Maui the Heels weren't tested. They went up against a good Oklahoma State team that will win more games than projected in the Big 12 and a preason top 10 Wisconsin team whose only losses are to two top 15 if not top 10 teams. The Heels never trailed on the island and really sent a message to the national stage. In this early season the Heels have been most impressive on the defensive side. Yes you read that right, defense. This word is usually only associated with the Heels if it has rarely plays in front of it. Beside the record being comparable to the 08-09 national title team, the defense is another similarity between the two. Also, keep in mind the Tar Heels have done this without starter Theo Pinson and also without front court depth in Luke Maye. Many have stepped up early on the main one being sophomore Kenny Williams who is arguably the Tar Heels best defender.
Listen it's early. There are a lot of games left to played and some big time test coming up for UNC before ACC play arrives. However, it's hard to argue with the fact that the Heels are a legit national title contender this year and maybe the front runner right now. Could this team be better than last years? The only way they could be is by winning it all, but that's their goal. They haven't shied away from the fact that the heartbreaking loss they had in the title game has been fuel and will continue to be fuel. I think that's a sign of determination on their part. I saw some people talking about how they are playing so good that there is no where to go from down, that they are peaking in November. I was told this a long time ago and I believe this to be true, truly great teams don't peak. They stay at the high level consistently. No one is going undefeated and this UNC certainly won't be the first one since Bob Knights Indiana team to do so, but take that statement for what it's worth. Truly great teams, don't peak.
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