Tar Heels Not Sticking Around

So what is a "Tar Heel," exactly? Here's the explanation, courtesy of UNC's website:

One version of the nickname's origin has the name first being applied to North Carolinians during the Civil War. One record talks of a battle in Virginia, where their supporting column retreated, but North Carolina troops fought alone. The victorious troops were asked in a condescending tone by some Virginians, who had retreated, "Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?" The response came quickly: "No, not a bit; old Jeff's bought it all up." The Virginians asked: "Is that so? What is he going to do with it?" The reply: "He is going to put it on you'ns heels to make you stick better in the next fight."

The folks in Chapel Hill might want to apply some of that famous tar to the feet of the basketball team -- as of last week, a significant chunk of last year's Final Four squad was planning to leave -- with sixth man Danny Green joining Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington in the NBA draft. None are expected to hire agents, leaving open the possibility that they may return next year -- Lawson and Ellington are considered "bubble" first rounders, Green doesn't appear on most mock drafts at this point and will really need to impress at pre-draft camps to merit even a second-round pick. My guess is at least two of the three will return to school.

The tar did work its magic on Tyler Hansbrough, who announced he'll be back. Hansbrough needs just 122 points to pass Phil Ford as UNC's all-time leading scorer, and 601 to pass J.J. Redick for tops on the ACC's all-time scoring list. Barring injury, he should pass both marks easily; Hansbrough has averaged 1122 points in his first three seasons.