(Marcus Ginyard, a member of the Tar Heels from 2005-2010, is playing professionally in Poland this season.)
In November of 2016, I interviewed Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson on the importance of preparation as they set out for what we’ve all dubbed the “Redemption Tour.”
They spoke very openly about the heartbreak they suffered when Jenkins made that three-pointer that has haunted us all for the last year and suddenly stole their dream in the 2016 title game. Jackson specifically told me that moment played in his head, motivating him to push harder in his off-season preparation, resulting in his crowning as ACC Player of the Year. The last thing Berry said to me in that interview was, “We want to be the last team standing on the last night of the season.” Here we are, the last team standing, the 2017 National Champions!
Every Tar Heel is incredibly proud of our program, most likely taking every opportunity to proclaim their allegiance and gloat to all the nay-sayers and rivals of the Heels. For me, in a strange connected twist, I get the pleasure of rubbing this victory in the face of many Gonzaga fans here in Poland. Przemek Karnowski, believed to be the first Polish player to compete in an NCAA championship game, had all of Poland pulling for the Zags. It has been quite a pleasure to wear my Carolina gear through the city streets and remind people all over the world that we are the champions.
Of course now, after successfully conquering the summit of College Basketball and bringing the title back to beautiful Chapel Hill, congratulations are in order.
I would like to congratulate the players for all of their hard work and dedication over the years, not only this season. Congratulations to Coach Williams and his staff for preparing, motivating and leading these young men to become the best version of themselves on and off the court. Congratulations to the University of North Carolina for elevating our status of greatness yet again. A big congratulation to the fans, who support this team and University with unwavering heart, believing in us through all the ups and downs. It’s a beautiful thing to share an accomplishment like this with the best fans in the world.
As a former player, my emotions are a bit more intense and I was struggling to find more words to say to the NCAA Champions, but David Noel gave me permission to share with you some of his words. You’ll see more of him as a college basketball coach or analyst soon, by the way!
“To the 2017 Men’s National Championship Team, The University of North Carolina Tar Heels, ya’ll boys restored a legacy … Thank ya’ll for coming to The University of North Carolina and wearing that jersey with pride, and carrying on a legacy that can sometimes be overwhelming. We thank ya’ll for that. Thank ya’ll for the 100 plus practices. Thank ya’ll for the 30 plus games. We appreciate everything ya’ll did this year. And to go to the National Championship game last year, losing, and coming back to win it this year.”
Every former player will always support you. Every player that didn’t make the journey to Phoenix was there with you in spirit, watching your every move from all over the globe. It goes without saying that we are proud of your accomplishments. More than anything, we just want to thank you.
Go Heels!
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