Losses taking a toll on North Carolina’s Williams
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The losses are adding up for North Carolina, along with the sleepless nights for Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams.
The Tar Heels have their worst record through 15 games in 17 seasons under Williams. They’ve struggled to replace veteran and NBA talent from a team that earned a No. 1 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament. And the roster left behind has been hit hard by injuries, notably with potential one-and-done prospect Cole Anthony roughly midway through a multiweek timeline to return from knee surgery.
It has already left the Tar Heels with a major climb ahead to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament, not to mention the fact they look as vulnerable as they ever have for Clemson to end its 0-for-forever streak in Chapel Hill on Saturday.
It all has Williams, who said on his radio show earlier this week that it is the “least gifted” team he’s had since taking over in Chapel Hill, searching for answers.
“I’ve never been one to sleep. I’m not sleeping at all now,” Williams said Friday.
The Tar Heels (8-7, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) peaked at No. 5 in the Top 25 in November, but they’re No. 108 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. They haven’t been effective at either end of the floor, ranking 83rd in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency (105 points per 100 possession) and 72nd on defense (94.3).
They’re coming off home losses to Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh, both picked to finish in the bottom third of the ACC. Now they’re hosting the Tigers (7-7, 1-3) — who are 0-59 in Chapel Hill to give UNC the longest home winning streak against a single opponent in NCAA history.
North Carolina’s struggles have also led to a awkward wait for Williams to break a tie with late mentor Dean Smith for fourth on the Division I men’s coaching career wins list by claiming his 880th win.
Williams recalled a years-ago message from Smith that seemed fitting now.
“He said, ‘My biggest worry about you is how hard you take the losses as an an assistant, and it’s a lot worse as the head coach,’ ” Williams said. “And he’s right again.”
Iowa tops Maryland: Joe Wieskamp scored 26 points and Big Ten scoring leader Luka Garza had 21 as Iowa beat No. 12 Maryland 67-49 on Friday night in Iowa City.
Garza added 13 rebounds for Iowa (11-5, 2-3 Big Ten).
Maryland (13-3, 3-2) was held to its second-lowest point total this season.
Milestone for Calhoun: Longtime Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun earned his 900th career win as Division III University of Saint Joseph beat Pratt Institute 105-61.