Oct. 30, 2008
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Athletic Communications
North Carolina head coach Sylvia Hatchell and the rest of the Tar Heels met with the local media Thursday afternoon prior to the team's 1:30 practice. For Hatchell and the veterans it was old hat, but for the five newcomers it was their first chance to speak with reporters since arriving in Chapel Hill.
Freshmen Adjusting To College Life: The transition from high school to college can be difficult for any freshman, so the added pressure of Division I basketball only makes it harder. But the new Tar Heels are looking forward to the new challenges.
"I think it would excite anyone to play against the best people in the country," freshman center Chay Shegog said Thursday. "It's a chance to see how good you are and another chance to step up."
Freshman guard She'la White is eagerly awaiting her first chance to wear the Carolina Blue and white at the Smith Center, but the reality of her new career has yet to sink in. "I don't think it has really hit me yet," White said Thursday. "I think to myself all the time, 'Am I really here?'"
White is also anxious to experience the increased level of play that comes with Division I college basketball. "It's not going to do anything but make me better," White said. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to compete at this level."
Seniors Ready To Lead: Hatchell expressed an unusual concern Thursday when she addressed the media - she's worried the team might get along too well. With the loss of Erlana Larkins, who was an expert at tough love on the practice floor, Hatchell is looking to her seniors to lead more vocally. Senior forward/center Iman McFarland says the Tar Heels are up to the task.
"The five of us have definitely been working on leadership and putting that out on the team," McFarland said Thursday. "We want to make sure that our teammates know that it's our last year and that we're trying to do big things. We're definitely pushing each other."
Position Changes: With a big team that returns 10 letterwinners, the Tar Heels have done some position shuffling to help find the best way to use different skill sets. Senior Rashanda McCants, who has spent three years primarily playing on the wing, will be looked to as more of a post contributor in 2008-09. Other changes include McFarland moving into more of a center role and sophomore guard Italee Lucas playing mostly the 2-guard position instead of the point.
Throughout the preseason, TarHeelBlue.com will bring you updates on the Carolina women's basketball team as it prepares for the 2008-09 season. Coming off a 33-3 season in which they went undefeated in the ACC, the Tar Heels will begin game action on Nov. 4 with an exhibition against Carson-Newman.
