by Zach Hands

In most years the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team has generally high expectations. Starting with making the NCAA Tournament, a feat they have achieved in 33 of the last 36 seasons, UNC is typically ranked often in the top quarter of the polls, and competes for ACC championships regularly. While national championships are no stranger to the Carolina program, and the team is often expected to be in the mix for the title come March, it is rare that anticipation in them winning the NCAA Tournament is this high. They were the unanimous number one team in every preseason poll, and are believed to have a NBA lottery pick laden starting five, with Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Kendall Marshall, and a revolving door of talent for the fifth starting spot.

Even with one of the most talented, experienced teams in the nation, it can be difficult for young players to handle the pressure of expectations. Most respectable sports authorities have recognized the immense pressure on the kids, but say that talent could prevail. Fox Sports documented how the road for Carolina will be a difficult one to travel, as they will get everyone’s best shot, while most ESPN experts picked the Tar Heels to win in it all.

The team’s veteran coach Roy Williams thinks the predictions of greatness are fine but he said "The old-timers point to the rafters, and you can talk all you want to talk, but you have to do it”, meaning he definitely does not think the Tar Heels are going to walk on the floor and walk away with a title. UNC is already 3-0 with a win in the very special Carrier Classic over Michigan State 67-55. Generally there is no worry that this team can handle the expectations and win basketball games, but when you are expected to win games, the drawbacks of losing continue to grow with each loss.

There are teams who can compete hands down with the Heels, Kentucky who plays UNC on December 2, and Duke is always a tough opponent in the ACC. Excitement should be high this year, and UNC has too much talent not to be around come March, but senior center Tyler Zeller had this to say in the Fay Observer about this year’s team, “We know that we're supposed to be good; supposed to be good doesn't get you anywhere. You have to prove it, and I think this team has the right mindset going into it."