Tarheel Basketball

Over the past month or so, we've all had the chance to indulge in the best college hoops in the country. I don't know of anyone who can make a legitimate argument that there is a better place for college hoops than Tobacco Road, and Chapel Hill sits smack in the center. Two weeks ago the ESPN College Gameday crew came for their weekly broadcast, and we took the girls over.

This was the second time Halle and I went (we attended two years ago), and after that visit Madelin wanted to go. So we did. Probably the highlight for the girls were these scroll-like banners that they gave everyone to hold up (see below). Madelin even made it on the live national broadcast when she walked down to the edge of the floor and one of the cameras went past her. So, if you still have it on DVR, you can find her. :)

Later that evening, Heather and I went to see the Heels whomp on Miami (I believe all of the players were eligible to play per their parole officers...wait, that's the football team...). It was close for a half, then Wayne Ellington went NBA-jam on Miami (think "he's on fire") and hit SEVEN 3's in a row. Wow!

The Dean Dome (er, Dean Smith Center) seats around 21,000, so just a touch smaller than the Marriott Center (although unlike the MAC, every game is sold out and tickets go from $30 for nosebleeders to $1000+ each when Duke comes to get beat). Ramses, the fan-fav mascot makes his rounds for hugs from college girls, photos, more hugs...well, not a bad job for a college lad. We caught him for a photo:

And even though Carolina has 5 National Championships to boast of, a 6th this year would look mighty nice. If (when) that happens, well, look forward to photos from the party on Franklin Street!