Two of the biggest reasons the North Carolina Tar Heels are favored to win the national championship are overall talent and depth. Roy Williams will have to tap into both when he starts the 2008-2009 season.
UNC will be without guard/forward Marcus Ginyard for at least eight weeks. Ginyard had surgery to place a screw in his left foot to correct a stress fracture.
"You hate this for Marcus because he has worked so hard to get ready for his senior season, but he decided it was better to have the surgery now and be ready sometime in December, than risk a more substantial injury that would knock him out of action later in the season," says head coach Roy Williams. "We will miss his play on both ends of the floor as well as his leadership with the young players. I am hopeful others will step forward to fill those roles. Marcus has been a joy to coach and I look forward to his return."
Ginyard isn't the first name that comes out of your mouth when talking about the Heels, but he is one of their most important players. The senior started all 39 games for Carolina last year and is widely regarded as one of the nation's best defenders. He also spent time as a primary ballhandler last season and is an outstanding rebounder.
Fellow senior Danny Green will most likely take Ginyard's place in the lineup. This should also open up minutes for sophomore Will Graves.
