It began with an indication. Actually. Proper exterior of the North Carolina ladies’s basketball locker room at Carmichael Enviornment hangs a chunk of cardboard with the phrases DO NOT ENTER, Ultimate 4 staff loading…
The signal, in accordance with CBS 17, was created by the gamers. It’s not solely a reminder of the duty at hand—to make all of it the best way to the Ultimate 4 for the primary time since ’07—however the kind of time they’re on earlier than they even step foot within the locker room. It’s a sentiment UNC head coach Courtney Banghart embraces.
“If that’s what you need, this, this, this and this aren’t ok. However I additionally don’t wish to squash their desires. You shouldn’t come to the College of North Carolina in the event you’re afraid to attempt to win a nationwide championship,” Banghart instructed CBS 17.
The Tar Heels are led by 4 returning seniors who know what it’s wish to play on the brightest stage: Deja Kelly, Alyssa Ustby, Anya Poole and Alexandra Zelaya have been all a part of the squad that superior to the Candy 16 in 2022. The Tar Heels held their very own towards the eventual champs (South Carolina), as Kelly led the best way with a easy 23 factors. Regardless of the 69-61 loss, it was the primary time the Tar Heels had made it that far within the postseason since 2015.
After falling to Ohio State within the second spherical of the 2023 NCAA match, UNC is again. It’s nonetheless early, however their standout seniors Ustby and Kelly have been named to the John R. Wood Award
Watch Checklist; Kelly was additionally named to the Nancy Lieberman Level Guard of the Yr Award Watch Checklist. The Texas native, who led the staff in scoring with 16.5 factors per sport as a junior, had fairly the offseason. When Kelly wasn’t coaching and dealing on her sport, she was internet hosting her very personal present with WSLAM, The 411 with Deja Kelly, the place she interviewed a few of the largest names within the sport, together with Connecticut Solar star Alyssa Thomas and Liberty standout Betnijah Laney proper within the SLAM HQ studio in NYC. She additionally attended WNBA All-Star Weekend and was deemed one of many “NCAA stars prepared to guide the WNBA’s subsequent technology” by Simply Ladies’s Sports activities.
So, yeah, she’s been booked and busy. The standout guard returned to Chapel Hill for her last season poised and able to embrace her function as one of many staff’s important items, and leaders, on the Tar Heels. “I’m the oldest on the staff now by age. I don’t assume it’s hit me but. However sure, we’re beginning to really feel it a bit bit, however I don’t assume it’s totally hit us but, till, like, Senior Night time comes round. However I believe we’re carrying that veteran function now,” she instructed CBS 17.
As of this writing, UNC is 5-3. Don’t sleep, although, they’ve acquired a gifted squad that may maintain its personal on each ends of the ground. From Kelly flattening midrange jumpers and doling out dimes and Ustby snagging boards within the paint to the addition of switch Lexi Donarski, who was the 2022 Massive 12 Defensive Participant of the Yr at Iowa State, the place she spent the previous three seasons, there’s no finish to the talent on this squad.
Whether or not the Tar Heels will obtain their mission is but to be decided, however greatest imagine, they’ve each intention of creating all of it the best way.
Ultimate 4 staff loading…