Are current Heels better than 2005 version?

In a recent column, the Raleigh News & Observer’s Caulton Tudor compared the current North Carolina team to the 2005 Tar Heels, who won the NCAA title with a defeat of Illinois in the final in St. Louis.

Indeed, the teams are similar in many ways as veteran groups led by bruising post players and speedy point guards. Here’s one opinion on which version of the Tar Heels would have the edge, position by position:

Point guard, Ty Lawson (2009) vs. Raymond Felton (2005). It has been generally accepted that both were the fastest point guard in the nation in their day, but their personalities are quite different. Felton was a gritty, determined, no-nonsense leader. Lawson is a happy-go-lucky free spirit who has driven coach Roy Williams crazy on occasion. Although Felton made a huge 3-pointer and some clinching free throws in the championship game, Lawson has taken more of the responsibility for the offense on himself than Lawson did. Edge: Lawson and 2009.

Shooting guard, Wayne Ellington (2009) vs. Rashad McCants (2005). Again, we’re talking two widely divergent personalities. Ellington is mild mannered and almost shy; McCants was the closest thing to Terrell Owens that ACC basketball has ever had. Ellington probably has a sweeter shooting stroke, but McCants’ shot was just as effective. Despite his toxic personality, McCants was physically stronger, a better defender rebounder and defender, and a better overall player. Edge: McCants and 2005.

Small forward, Danny Green (2009) vs. Jackie Manuel (2005). Manuel played the role that Marcus Ginyard would have played for the current team. A superb defensive stopper, Manuel used his long arms and quick feet to frustrate opposing shooters such as Duke’s J.J. Redick. Green isn’t nearly as accomplished defensively, but stuffs the stat sheet with his versatility as a rebounder, shot blocker, scorer and steal artist. Edge: Green and 2009.

Power forward, Deon Thompson (2009) vs. Jawad Williams (2005). Williams had a wider shooting range, as he could score from beyond the 3-point arc and open things up in the middle for center Sean May. Thompson is a bit tougher on the low block but lacks the versatility and isn’t a strong leader the way Williams was. Edge: Williams and 2005.

Center, Tyler Hansbrough (2009) vs. Sean May (2005). Hansbrough, who’s a senior, was national player of the year as a junior. May was the most outstanding player at the Final Four and played his best basketball when the Tar Heels needed him most. Hansbrough plays harder, of that there is no doubt. But May was more skilled and a better rebounder with better hands. He was the player the Tar Heels looked to for big baskets in their title run. The current North Carolina team looks more to Lawson. Edge: May and 2005.

Bench. The 2005 team had freshman forward Marvin Williams, who was about to become the No. 2 selection in the NBA draft, coming off the bench as a reserve in deference to Jawad Williams. The current team also has a freshman power forward on the bench in Ed Davis who’s playing better than starter Deon Thompson. Davis is a future pro, but he’s not as freakishly talented as Marvin Williams. Edge: 2005.

Overall, the 2005 team was slightly more talented and effective. Both teams scored about 18 points per game more than their opponents, but the 2005 team’s field goal percentage (.499 to .483) and defensive field goal percentage (.401 to .413) were a bit better.

None of that means the current team should be dumped as the favorite for the Final Four. But if you had to choose one team over the other, you’d have to choose the 2005 group that had four players chosen with the first 14 picks in the NBA draft. The current team might match the 2005 team as a national champion, but it won’t come close to duplicating those draft results. – Ken Tysiac