H*A*M

YTSOTD

YouTube Song of the Day

The word of the day is:

H*A*M

(1) We got a basketball commit Monday night and Isaiah Hicks is H*A*M 
(2) The football practice updates got me ready to run through a wall.  Tar Heel Football = H*A*M

Oh yeah.  Watch the Throne is H*A*M!  No Church in the Wild is killing it for me!

Tweets of the Day

IDHicks Isaiah Hicks

just committed to carolina

D_Hubert14 Desmond Hubert

@IDHicks welcome to the family

pjhairston_15 PJ Hairston

@IDHicks good job bro, you part of the family now!

 Isaiah Hicks, Welcome to the Fam

Isaiah Hicks

Raleigh (NC) Body of Christ

6-8, 193, PF

Scout: #5 PF; #13 Overall

ESPN: #6 PF; #20 Overall

Commitment: UNC (2013)

Considering: None

"Hicks has great hands and is one of the most fluid athletes in the country for his size. He runs the floor well, finishes around the rim at an elite level, has some skill to the mid-range and continues to improve his footwork. Hicks is so explosive that he can be very tough to defend or score against. His upside is just absolutely through the roof." -- Brian Snow  

Let me tell you why I love Isaiah Hicks's game and commitment to North Carolina:

Did you read Brian Snow's evaluation?  Hicks has a presence on the court that is impossible to overlook because he affects the game on so many dimensions.  He is an explosive athlete that finishes strong at the rim in traffic, which is perfect for a power forward.  What is even more perfect is that his game is perfect for Roy's up tempo style.  Hicks athleticism and ability to get out in the open court makes his potential limitless.   Add to it his focus on defense and willingness to pass to an open teammate for an easier shot and you have to love Hicks's game and ability to fit into what Roy wants to do!

Hicks already shows a nice touch in his mid-range game.  Let me remind you that Hicks is a 6-8, 2013 recruit.  That means that he won't be on campus for approximately 20 months.  That is a lot of time to continue to work on his game.  He already has such a strong base.  If he continues to improve his mid-range game, he will be virtually unguardable.
 

Tar Heel Football = H*A*M

The reports from fall camp are starting to flow in:

• The team is very focused.  There is a lot of positive energy and belief within team. 

• There is very little difference in practice with Withers as compared to BD.  The practices are high tempo and business-like while trying to maintain a fun atmosphere.

• The defensive line is dominating the line of scrimmage and there has been significant blitz practice.  The combination of Quinton Coples and Sly Williams is almost unblockable.  The linebackers are getting involved in pressuring the QB and being disruptive.  The secondary has responded well to man-on coverage.  This could be one of the best defenses UNC has had and that is saying something.  The QBs are having a hard time in practice because they are constantly under pressure.  There have been several tipped pass I-N-Ts.   

• Don't worry about the offensive line.  Our defensive line is one of the best units in the country and blitz pick up is going to be extremely difficult with the athletes we have at linebacker adding to the pressure.  I imagine our O-line is going to be happy to play real games and get out of practice for a little break.  Seriously.

• Travis Hughes and Fabby Desir are turning heads with their speed, size, effort, and recognition.

• The secondary is looking pretty good.  We already know what Jabari Price brings to the table, but I am hearing good things about newcomers Tim Scott and Alex Dixon.  There is also buzz around Sam Smiley's play.  He is a little raw, but he is not disappointing the staff who have high expectations.  The Rude Boyz tradition continues.  This group will ball hawk! 

• Tre Boston is going to be a player.  He will have some growing pains, but he will be a special player.  Hard to say how good he is going to be, but it could be better than first team All-ACC if he continues to work and learn.

• Renner has a great command of the huddle and is throwing a nice deep ball.

• Dwight Jones should be an All-American candidate by the end of the season if he can stay focused.  He has an extra gear once he is full stride.

• AJ Blue has moved back to running back and is practicing in the "big back" role.

• Gio Bernard is looking good.  He has the potential to be that special back that we haven't seen in Chapel Hill for quite a while if he can stay healthy.  

• Coach Withers has done some nice things since being named HC.  The three that I will mention are bringing in Roy Williams to speak to the team Monday night; bringing in David Thornton to work with the team after he recently retired from the NFL; and extending a hand written invitation to past football lettermen to attend the team's first scrimmage.

Quick Basketball Recruiting Tidbits 

• Adam Woodbury (not Joel James) got an offer.  I will update the basketball recruiting board.

• Mitch McGary has cut his list to six: dook, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, and UNC.  Traditionally, the biggest threat would be UK and dook.  However, Michigan is major player here.  Beilein's offense is one that would intrigue McGary, who likes to shoot the jumper, and Michigan is the home town school (kind of).  Don't sleep on the Wolverines.  Word is that McGary will unofficially visit all of the schools that he has yet to visit (including UNC), cut it to three, and take officials visits to those three.  Stay tuned.