Where: Lawrence Joel Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
When: January 24th, 7:00 PM
TV: ESPN
Records: UNC 17-2, 4-1 ACC; Wake Forest 9-9, 1-5 ACC
The biggest story that anyone can possibly muster for this game is that Reyshawn Terry will be playing in his hometown for the last time. Terry, who came out of Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, got his big chance to shine last season when he was one of the few scholarship players left after the top seven players left for graduation or the NBA. Terry made the most of it averaging 14 points per game and being a key component in the team that went a surprising 23-8. This season has been less stellar mainly because of the influx of the freshmen and the further development of players like Danny Green and Marcis Ginyard. At times, such as Saturday night against Georgia Tech, Terry has been very good, but for the most part he has been invisible contributing rebounds and good defense while averaging eight points per game. It has been said he is under pressure, mainly from himself, to perform well on the offensive end since he would very much like to support his family by snagging an NBA contract. Unfortunately for that ambition, the circumstances on the present team tend to limit his offensive production. That being said, if Terry is able to step up his game it only makes UNC more dangerous. Adding a slashing small forward who can also hit perimeter shots as a consistent part of the offense would make UNC a difficult team to handle. As though worrying about the two headed monster in the paint wasn't enough, having a player like Terry out there providing significant offensive production would be a huge headache for opposing teams.
As for Wake Forest there is not much to say. This game can be likened to the seven game stretch prior to the conference opener. It should serve as a learning experience and a great place to continue to work out the kinks. It is also a fairly easy game prior to what is sure to be a tough matchup at Arizona on Saturday before returning to Chapel Hill to run Miami through the gaunlet. For UNC this should be a great opportunity to put together a complete game which includes good defense, efficient offense, and few turnovers. If that happens, this is not going to be pretty for the Demon Deacons.
UNC 104 Wake Forest 61