UNC Basketball To Celebrate Senior Night

Marcus Paige has been watching more than just game tape of upcoming opponent Syracuse to get ready for his last home game in a Carolina uniform.

“It’s wild how fast it goes,” Paige said. “Part of me feels like I’ve been here forever, but part of me feels like I just got here and was a freshman and I’ve been going back and looking at old clips of me my freshman year.”

He said he’s watched a few games, including the ACC championship game, when Paige scored 17 points, but the Tar Heels fell to Miami 87 to 77.

“I just wanted to remember what I looked like, wearing the t-shirt and ankle braces and stuff,” Paige said. “I was like ‘man I look like a 14-year-old out there,’ but it’s been fun, man.”

Paige was part of a recruiting class that included fellow seniors Brice Johnson and Joel James.

J.P. Tokoto was also part of that recruiting class. He declared for the NBA Draft last spring and is currently playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s D-League affiliate.

Roy Williams said when he thinks about this group of seniors, one word comes to mind.

“They’re really an unusual group,” he said. “Completely, completely different personalities. The uniqueness of the three of them is something I really enjoy.”

He said Paige, being a coach’s son, is always very serious, and has been a starter since day one.

James has slowly carved out a niche as a solid backup big man.

Johnson on the other hand, brings something a little different.

“He’s a unique guy,” Williams said. “One of you asked me one time if it’s a love-hate, it’s a frustration relationship. I’ve always loved the kid. He’s always been a guy that I’ve really enjoyed and when I walk out and see him he’s doing something goofy.”

Williams said he’s going to be sad when he doesn’t get to coach these seniors anymore, but he doesn’t want to talk about their legacy until their final game is played.

“What they’ve done here over the past three years amidst the turmoil and sensationalism and the negative recruiting and all that stuff that’s affected our team for three years it’s pretty admirable,” he said. “But ask me that question when the season is over with and I’ll tell you.”

Toby Egbuna, Spenser Dalton and Justin Coleman will also be honored at Senior Night.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Make sure to tune into WCHL at 5:30 for UNC Health Care’s Countdown to Tipoff to get all of your pre-senior night coverage.