Quentin Thomas, Psycho T, and Some Red Paint

Early this morning, Chapel Hill police found one of the Old Well's columns covered in red paint. The Old Well is one of the University of North Carolina's most recognizable symbols. While the column was repainted white by 8am, this incident should provide some extra incentive to beat the shit out of NC State (15-10, 4-7) tonight.

One of the reasons why the Tarheels are 24-2 has been the emergence of Quentin Thomas, the senior G from Oakland, CA. Under QT, UNC averages 86.4 points per game, 15.2 assists per game, and shots 45.7% from the field, compared to 89.2 points per game, 18.5 assists per game, and 45.7% with Tywon "MyShitsMeanAndObscene" Lawson. Coach Roy Williams praised QT's efforts saying,

"I think with each and every game, he has learned how to get through mistakes and not turn around and make another one right behind it. He's learned to put the play behind him and think Tiger Woods, next shot the way we do it is 'Next play.' I think that that's been something that's been important to him. I think he's gotten more and more confident in each game and that in itself has enabled him to get through a tough play or a tough stretch. And he's getting more healthy. That's probably bigger than anything," Williams said.


QT has become so adept at putting the play behind him that sometimes he doesn't even know what the score is: "The funny thing about it - I told somebody, I didn't even know we were down by two. I thought we were down by one until I looked up at the scoreboard. I was like, 'Yeah, I really have to make these [free throws],'" he said after the Tarheel's game against Clemson. Thomas is shooting a career high 73.9% from the charity stripe. Over the last three games, Thomas has shot 7 of12 from the floor, 1 of 2 from the 3 point rage, has 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks and has averaged 6.3 assists, to just 3.3 turnovers per game. I've always known that he has sick handles, but this year, he's no longer playing ball like a crackhead who got a hold of the wrong stuff.

Hansbrough's shooting has also improved from the beginning of the season. Psycho T shot below 50% in three of Carolina's first four ACC games, but has shot 50% or better in five of seven ACC games since. Being able to make the short- to mid-range jumpers also makes him a lot more dangerous - also making him a better NBA prospect. Defenders are going to have to guard him away from the basket, which will allow him to drive like a maniac and throw up some retarded looking baby hook shot that somehow seems to find its way through the hoop, more often than not. Like Thomas, he is having his best year at the free throw line, shooting 81.4% on the year. Hansbrough is averaging 22.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and is making a case for POY honors.

The Tarheels have been plagued by injuries all year, but once we get Lawson back from a high ankle sprain, we should have a really good chance to win another National Championship. Especially if Ellington can keep raining down threes, if Green doesn't try to be a hero every time he touches the ball, and if Deon can keep improving.

But for tonight, let's all take a huge dump on NC State's doorstep.