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North Carolina Tar Heels: the Roy Williams Formula

ByJohn Woodcock|
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams speaks at a press conference after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams speaks at a press conference after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) reacts at the end of the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
  1. Have a rotation based on senior role players, but with firepower coming from the junior class

The three teams all had experienced rotations that were based mostly on their junior classes for star power. This was slightly subverted by the 2009 team who hadTyler Hansbrough, but juniors Lawson andWayne Ellingtonhad better performances in the title game.

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In 2005, seniorsJawad Williams,Jackie Manuel, andMelvin Scottwere important but juniors Felton,Rashad McCants, and especiallySean Maywere the stars.

In 2009, seniorsDanny Green,Bobby Frasor, and Hansbrough were arguably more important than seniors on the other two teams, but Lawson and Ellington were the offensive juice.

In 2017, seniorsKennedy Meeks,Isaiah Hicks, andNate Brittwere important, but juniors Joel Berry andJustin Jackson(supplemented byTheo Pinson’s defense) were the stars of the team.

This stipulation marks the failures of the 2008 and 2016 teams. 2016 was too senior dependent and the junior class was not ready, while 2008 had only one senior,Quentin Thomas, who was not a vital part.

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