What you talking
'bout?

UNC is playing stellar ball at the moment and it's no surprise Tyler Hansbrough is scoring most of the headlines.The junior center is a man possessed, leading his squad with both accurate shooting and tenacious rebounding (he had 28 and 13 in the Tar Heels win over Louisville).

But it's a little disappointing to see the other Tar Heels largely ignored. After all, without the superb wing and point guard play of lesser known Heels, Hansbrough wouldn't have room to breathe.

It reminds me of Nicholson's Joker being neglected by the newspapers in favour of Keaton's Batman. The Joker made the story but lacked the Bat's sex appeal I suppose. Basketball stars face similar battles. Take sophomore guard Wayne Ellington for example; his ability to attack defenders in the half court and scoot by "pedestrians" on the break has been spectacular in the NCAA tournament - and not unlike the explosive Leandro Barbosa. Ellington similarly brings an all-around game. Against Louisville he had 13 points and 5 rebounds. Against Washington State, 13 and 8. Go back to UNC's win over Clemson in mid-March, where the 6'4 guard racked up 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Got your attention yet?

Then there's point guard Ty Lawson - where's his parade? At only 5'11, Lawson is making his opposite numbers double take on a consistent basis. Against the Cardinals he had 11 points and 9 assists, as well as a back-breaking three pointer with about five minutes left on the clock.

Danny Green too, has come up with some big plays, espcially on the defensive end. Green had 2 steals against Louisville and 3 in the win over WSU. He's also averaged 4.3 rebounds per game in March.

Hey, take nothing away from Hansbrough, the deserved collegiate player of the year, who's notched some hefty numbers himself. But this is not a one man game, despite how many times some commentators and writers promote the one man headline. Hansbrough is not an outstanding talent but he has great leadership skills and relentless drive. He has heart and that's what sets him apart from others. Yet, it's his supporting cast that are making this run to the Final Four possible.

Abbot wasn't funny without Costello and Arnold's catch phrases didn't land without Willis. It's the same deal for Hansbrough.