A Letter to UNC Basketball

Jesus Martinez | Main Columnist

As a young seven year old watching UNC for the first time was something astonishing. I hadn't grown fond of sports at the time, as I has other interests such as watching Power Rangers and cartoons. But when I laid my eyes on the powder blue on TV, they were glued to the game. The dominant display by Tyler Hansbrough, the skill of TY Lawson and the ability of Danny Green kept me intrigued. But what I caught head over heels for was the man in a beautiful suit, with wrinkles similar to the ones you would see on a leather sofa. He was yelling at his players from the sidelines, looking as if he was about to pop a blood vessel. At that moment, I wanted to watch more of that.

Unfortunately, as a little kid i didn't know much, so without the assistance of siri at the time (2007), I was left baffled and perplexed on how I could find them again. I would wind up seeing the Tar Heels once again in a 2008 tournament run, watching all of the games up to the demolishing by Kansas. But I considered myself a Tar Heel fanatic. As I grew older, I would up watching as many UNC games as I could, since they weren't on TV a lot. Now with the technology I have I am able to watch every game. Unfortunately, that meant watching the 2016 National Championship. Seeing the upsetting look on Roy Williams had me sobbing like a river, but also gave me a thought to ponder on. That I was glad to be a UNC Tar Heel, and even more glad to have Roy Williams as my head coach. Now that we are in a similar situation one year later there is something I want to get off my mind:

You don't get the correct amount of acclamation that you deserve, being one of the best head coach's in college basketball history. About a year ago many wanted you out after the loss against Duke, but the accusations were considered ludicrous by all means. You are undervalued as a head coach; leading us all the way to the 2017 national championship. We've been at the similar situation before with a heartbreaking ending. When Kris Jenkins shot went in I cried as a fan. From that moment I knew that this team would be back to avenge what happened. To come back and correct their wrong doings. And now look, we are back on our revenge tour beating everyone in our path. By the time you probably get this you guys will either be celebrating a national championship or suffering similar experiences to last year.

But this letter isn't meant to coach you I'd rather appreciate what you have done. Appreciate what you your whole staff and all your players have done. The hard work and dedication, the Blood Sweat and tears put into this program is something I will forever be grateful for. And I personally thank each and every one of you guys for the wonderful season I was able to experience with my own eyes. I truly saw this team mature, get better, and learn from mistakes. The players embody the true meaning of character, good spirit, and faith.

The road could be complete without contributions from everyone, and I have each and every one of you guys to thank for.

To the walk ons and players on the rotation that don't get any playing time, but still grind countless hours to get the team significantly better, I appreciate you and what you do for UNC Basketball. Thank you.

To Brandon Robinson, Shea Rush, Seventh Woods, and Stillman White, thank you for your contributions to the basketball team. You great players with a lot of potential for the future. You chose a good school for education and basketball. I appreciate what you do for UNC basketball.

To Tony Bradley, thank you very much for contributing to our UNC program. You're one of the top freshman frontcourt players in the nation, and sure to be a first-round pick if you declare for the NBA draft. You have unlimited amount of potential, and your skill-set is one of the best on the team. You're one of the best rebounders on the team, something that is our strength. I appreciate what you for UNC basketball.

To Luke Maye, thank you for hitting that game winning shot against Kentucky. Your superhero efforts are worth admiring, as we would not be here without you. I appreciate what you do for UNC basketball.

To Nate Britt thank you for sticking around and staying in UNC. It may be difficult seeing yourself as a starter at one point, and then not even starting at all. But just know that you made a great decision staying in one of the top institutions in the nation. You wouldn't have had a better shot to get to the national championship anywhere else. Your contributions to the game of basketball for the University of North Carolina will greatly be appreciated. Hopefully you can go out on a high note as a senior. I appreciate what you do for UNC basketball.

To the starting five you have brought much joy this entire season. Watching all of you in this run made me realize how much I love UNC basketball. As a kid I looked up to the 2009 national championship team and now I can say the same for this. Kennedy Meeks just know that as a senior you had one of your best years ever. You show the true characteristics of a leader, and without your ability to crash the boards we wouldn't be here tonight. To Justin Jackson you were a real star on this team. Although you had some rocky moments you held it down the entire year and whether this may be your last game or not just know that UNC faithful will be with you in the NBA. Theo Pinson your ability to get the rebound against Oregon saved us. Your play is underrated and just know we have your back. Same goes for Isaiah Hicks. Without you two none of this would've have been possible. Your contributions are greatly appreciated as well. And for Joel Berry the heart and soul of this team, just know that UNC faithful will have your back forever. Regardless of whether you have your good moments and bad moments we will always cherish you being on this team. Thank you for being UNC Tar Heels.

To Brice Johnson, Marcus Paige and Joel James it pains me to see that you guys couldn't get your championship ring in 2016. The way you guys went out was horrific, and although I may never know that feeling, we know how much work you put into getting there. You three were the best combination to watch for UNC in quite a while. Some may even compare Brice and Marcus to the UNC greats. I say don't compare them because they are greats. Regardless of whether you guys won the National Championship or not, you guys have one hell of a run and your accomplishments shouldn't be undervalued. You guys mean a lot to the UNC program and for you to leave your legacy like that is completely heartbroken to many of us. You guys left an incredible Legacy at UNC just for it to be shambled down by the shot. Which is why I say if UNC wins today then you three deserve to get your national championship rings. It is only right. You three will always be my favorite UNC Tar Heel players thank you so much for blessing me with the ability to watch you guys. Thank you guys for what you did for the UNC program.

I will not be able to mention half of these players had it not been for the great recruiting of CB McGrath. You are a valued assistant at UNC coaching some of the best players in the nation along with Roy Williams by your side. I completely understand that you have to do what's best for you. I will not judge the fact that you got a UNC Wilmington offer and you accepted. It was a business decision and I am fully on board supporting you along the way. UNC fans will support you as well. But leave your last note here at Chapel Hill in the right way; a national champion! Thank you for what you have done for UNC basketball.

And last but not least, the head man in charge Roy Williams. For me I feel like I have a special bond with you, even though I don't actually know you. For all the times that you hilariously yell out your players, for all the times you have a funny interview, or whether you're just jumping around and celebrating in the locker room, just know that I support every choice you make because you know what's best for UNC basketball. You saved UNC basketball from what could have been on disaster. You are one of the best, if not the best coach college basketball has to offer. You make me laugh, upset, and sad, but overall you just make me happy because you know how to win. Here's to hoping that you can get number 3. And win or lose I will always have your back.

No matter what the results of tonight's match is, I just want to let you know that I'm proud. I'm proud to be considered a Tar Heel faithful.

Ringing clear and True
Singing Carolina's praises
Shouting N.C.U.

Hail to the brightest Star of all
Clear its radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem,
Receive all praises thine.

I'm a Tar Heel born I'm a Tar Heel bred
And when I die I'm a Tar Heel dead.
So it's RAH, RAH, Car'lina 'lina
RAH, RAH, Car'lina 'lina
RAH, RAH, Car'lina
RAH! RAH! RAH!

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