Friday, Oct. 12 Don't count out Carolina. The Tar Heels are experiencing short-term growing pains, but will still be good. Jason Capel will be more of a point forward, helping to handle the ball and distribute it, and Kris Lang will have to spend more time at the center spot and diversify his offensive game so as not to be so predictable toward his jump hook. The keys will be the point guard position and the development of the freshmen. Whether it is sophomore Adam Boone, who is better than he gets credit for, or freshman Melvin Scott, a combo guard with a quick release and the ability to shoot off the dribble or the catch, Matt Doherty will find a stopgap until Raymond Felton arrives next season. Plus, don't be surprised if Ronald Curry hits the hardwood in December. Jawad Williams, the athletic forward who can play inside and out, and Jackie Manuel, the athletic wing who can run, finish and defend, will have to play major roles for the Heels to finish in the top three in the ACC.

20
North Carolina
LAST SEASON: 26-7
2001 FINAL RANKING
ESPN/USA Today: No. 10

Why No. 20?
The Tar Heels were on the bubble of making this list, but not without reason. They lost their best scorer in Joseph Forte and a presence inside in Brendan Haywood. Julius Peppers, their most physical player, isn't going to come back from football. Quarterback Ronald Curry is making overtures about returning. If that's the case then the Tar Heels will at least get an experienced point guard. But that's not the answer. The reasons the Tar Heels can be a top 20 team are Kris Lang, Jason Capel, Melvin Scott, Jackie Manuel and Jawad Williams. Lang is a legit low-post scorer. He can finish with the best big men in the nation. But he has to stay healthy and focused. Capel has never been the first option but he has the talent to be a leader. He was a sharp shooter on the perimeter when teams would slide down on Forte. The three newcomers are athletic trio that should make the Tar Heels tough to matchup against. Scott could step in and be the point, taking the job away from Adam Boone or Brian Morrison. Manuel is a swing guard who can get to the basket. Williams could end up being the first option and has the confidence to step in and contribute immediately. Everyone wants to count out North Carolina but it's still too soon. The talent is in place for the Tar Heels to finish in the top five in the ACC, good enough to be back in the NCAA Tournament.

Will Rise If ...
The freshmen show no signs of being freshmen. Boone and Morrison weren't able to consistently stay on the court last season. Scott, Manuel and Williams have to come in ready to contribute. Williams can be a stud to start, like Forte was when he arrived three years ago.

Will Fall If ...
The Tar Heels can't get consistent inside play from Brian Bersticker, Neil Fingleton and/or Lang. Capel can't be expected to play in the post. He's more effective facing the basket, squaring up and driving to the basket.

-- Andy Katz, ESPN.com

SCOUTING REPORT: One Big ACC coach's take on the Tar Heels

“

You're going to have a better chance of scoring on them inside this year. Losing Brendan Haywood is going to make it tough on them. Kris Lang is what he is and can be effective. But they're going to be more vulnerable then they've ever been in the lane. You have to take it to them and attack. Losing Joseph Forte means someone else is going to have to step up and score for them. Not sure who that will be. They're probably going to get Ronald Curry back and that will help but not sure when. The football team could be in a bowl game and that could be later in December. They've gotten a good pop from the football players in the last two years but will they get that again? ”

2001-02 NORTH CAROLINA ROSTER
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Key 2000-01 Stats
(50) Brian Bersticker	Sr.	F/C	6-10/232	PTS: 1.5 | REB: 1.0 | FG%: 38.2
(31) Adam Boone	So.	G	6-2/182	PTS: 1.5 | AST: 1.4 | FG%: 30.0
(25) Jason Capel	Sr.	F	6-8/224	PTS: 11.4 | REB: 7.3 | 3PT%: 41.8
(13) Neil Flingleton	Fr.	C	7-6/295	If his back holds up, redshirt frosh is obviously a matchup problem for ACC foes
(14) Jonathan Holmes	Jr.	G	6-0/175	PTS: 1.6 | REB: 0.8 | AST: 0.8
(44) Will Johnson	Jr.	F	6-8/211	PTS: 1.5 | REB: 1.2 | AST: 0.4
(42) Kris Lang	Sr.	F/C	6-11/243	PTS: 11.3 | REB: 5.7 | FG%: 55.0
Jackie Manuel	Fr.	F/G	6-6/185	Part of a talented trio of freshmen; this one plays the best defense
(32) Orlando Melendez	Sr.	F	6-8/200	PTS: 0.8 | REB: 0.8 | AST: 0.2
Melvin Scott	Fr.	G	6-2/175	Could end up running the team until Curry returns from gridiron ... if he returns
Jawad Williams	Fr.	F	6-9/205	The most athletic of the three frosh; proven scorer who'll need to exactly that quickly
Head Coach: Matt Doherty (26-7, 1 year; Overall: 48-23, 2 years) Assistant Coaches: Bob MacKinnon, Fred Quartlebaum, Doug Wojcik Home Court: Smith Center (21,750); Chapel Hill, N.C.

2001-02 NORTH CAROLINA SCHEDULE

November 16: Hampton 20: Davidson 28: Indiana (a)

December 2: Georgia Tech 8: at Kentucky 16: Binghamton 21: Charleston (b) 22: TBD (b) 27: N.C. A&T 30: Texas A&M

January 5: Wake Forest 9: at Maryland 12: Virginia 16: at Florida St. 19: at Connecticut 23: N.C. State 27: at Clemson 31: Duke

February 2: at Ga. Tech 6: at Wake Forest 10: Maryland 12: at Virginia 17: Florida St. 20: Ohio 24: at N.C. State 27: Clemson

March 3: at Duke 7: ACC Tournament