Synopses & Reviews
"Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skills to do difficult things easily." --Thought for the Day, March 22, 2005, Carolina practice plan
At the start of the 2005 season, the North Carolina Tar Heels were a talented yet dysfunctional team made up of gifted yet unfocused athletes. Head coach Roy Williams had his work cut out for him: to piece the team back together and inspire the players to use their adversity as the surest path to victory. On April 4, 2005, Carolina defeated Illinois in the championship finals. "How else could it have ended?" reflected forward Jawad Williams. "We've been the lowest and now we're the highest."
Led By Their Dreams, a celebration of the Tar Heels' 2005 season, features interviews with the players and coach Roy Williams. It also includes Williams's famous inspirational quotes--his "Thoughts for the Day"--which often foretold something about to happen and always served to push the team toward better teamwork and, ultimately, the NCAA championship.
With full-color photographs throughout, postseason notes, a list of the honors and awards received by standout players, and a CD of the radio call of the championship game, this is the ultimate book for fans to remember the best team of 2005 and its return to glory.
Synopsis
The North Carolina Tar Heels started the 2004-05 season as a group of individuals with significant promise but no real winning credentials. They ended it as one of only four NCAA championship teams in the illustrious history of one of the greatest basketball programs in America.
Led by Their Dreams is the story of that journey. Adam Lucas, Steve Kirschner, and Matt Bowers put you on the bench and in the locker room with compelling details that only insiders would know. Making use of exclusive one-on-one interviews with almost every member of the 2004-05 roster, the authors include extensive, never-before-told insights from Carolina coaches and players, thirteen of whom also reflect on the season in their own words. Filled with spectacular images from the best photographers covering the team, this is the most complete chronicle of a Carolina national championship ever produced.
Synopsis
The officially sanctioned, commemorative edition of the Tar Heels' memorable 2005 season.
About the Author
Adam Lucas is the publisher of
Tar Heel Monthly, a newsletter that covers all University of North Carolina sports. He is author of
Going Home Again, the story of Roy Williams and his return to coach the Tar Heels, published by The Lyons Press in 2004.
Steve Kirschner is the associate athletic director for communications at the University of North Carolina.
Matt Bowers is the assistant director of athletic communications at the university.
Table of Contents
The Warm-UpAcknowledgments
Foreword by Dean Smith
Preface
The Action
1. See the Future
2. Workdays in Maui
3. The Silence & the Roar
4. Building a Program
5. The Difference of Defense
6. History Repeats Itself
7. The Blue Team
8. Awards & Rewards
9. The Perils of Hesitation
10. Sick of Losing
11. Road Warriors
12. Senior Day
13. Letdown in D.C.
14. The Spark Returns
15. Two Steps to St. Louis
16. The Pit
17. Champions
18. Saying Goodbye
The Highlights
In Their Own Words: Coaches
Roy Williams
Jerod Haase
Joe Holladay
C. B. McGrath
Steve Robinson
In Their Own Words: Players
Raymond FElton
Jackie Manuel
Sean May
Rashad McCants
David Noel
Melvin Scott
Jawad Williams
Marvin Williams
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The Wrap-Up
A Tribute to Burgess McSwain
2004-05 Team Roster
2004-05 Season Record
Postseason Notes Postseason Notes
Awards and Honors