Through two games, the UNC men’s basketball team has been coasting. More challenging hurdles await, but for now, the Tar Heels are enjoying a squad equipped with experience and deep in talent.

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“In 1990, I think we averaged 92 per game and shot over 50 percent from the floor. People just couldn’t guard us because we had all guys who could pass and shoot. That was a lot of fun. I just sort of sat over there and clapped. This could be the best offensive rebounding team I’ve ever coached. Now we have to do it,” UNC head coach Roy Williams says.

One of the freshmen with boundless potential is Justin Jackson. Jackson has been impressive so far, running the floor with ease and seemingly always putting himself in the right position to make plays.

Jackson shoots (Todd Melet)

Jackson shoots (Todd Melet)

Jackson recorded 13 points in the Robert Morris romp and says he’s having fun and staying relaxed in the spotlight.

“I just try to have fun with it, play my game and do whatever I need to do to help the team win. I try not to pay attention to all the other stuff out there. I just try to play my game,” Jackson says.

UNC has faced primarily zone defenses to date this season, but Coach Williams is hoping his team’s dominance in the rebounding department can overcome any shooting slumps and in effect, beat all future zones.

“If you aren’t a good shooting team, you better go get your misses. We’ve had some teams that didn’t mind playing against the zone, and people didn’t play zone against us because we moved the ball so well and did a great job on the offensive backboards. That’s what we have to do if we’re not shooting the ball as well as I’d like us to,” Coach Williams says.

Junior forward J.P. Tokoto had 10 assists Sunday thanks to laser-like precision and sharp court awareness.

But Coach Williams says he needs more than just exceptional passing. He needs him to take over the offensive boards.

“He’s really a good passer, period. He’s got size and looks over the defense. He’s really a good passer, but I told him I don’t want him to think he’s the assist man only, because he’s one of the best offensive rebounders I’ve ever coached. We’ve got to get him going to the boards,” Coach Williams says.

Sophomore forward Kennedy Meeks scored 21 points last time out in the Smith Center.

Brice Johnson, Paige & Meeks watch on (Todd Melet)

Brice Johnson, Paige & Meeks watch on (Todd Melet)

But despite the encouraging performance, Meeks says Coach Williams is pushing the Tar Heels for more – he wants greater intensity on a consistent basis from all of his players.

“Rebounding, effort – he really didn’t use ‘sense of urgency’, but that’s what he meant. I know he talked about it last year a lot. It’s something that’s important to our team,” Meeks says.

Yes, the fourth ingredient to the magic formula for success may yet again be ‘sense of urgency’.

And if the Tar Heels can add a dash of passion to their experience, talent and depth, the sky may very well be the limit for this year’s Carolina squad.