Never, perhaps, has a sore toe meant so much to so many. North Carolina fans will be holding their breath to see whether 5-foot-11 point guard Ty Lawson will be back to his speedy self for the NCAA Tournament or if he must try to hobble through it.
The junior jammed his left big toe into a basket support during practice March 6. He played in a victory over Duke two days later but required an injection and the toe swelled afterward. Lawson said doctors discovered a previously healed fracture in the toe and a bone chip, which may be contributing to the pain.
North Carolina’s fast-break offense is built for speed, with Lawson, the ACC player of the year, as the distributor — and sometimes as the finisher. The Tar Heels aren’t the same team without him.
North Carolina failed in its bid to win a third consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship, falling 73-70 to Florida State in the semifinals.
“But the big picture is the NCAA Tournament, because that’s where our goals are as a team,” Lawson told reporters.
The Tar Heels are hoping he can play a starring role.
Favorite: North Carolina
The Tar Heels have been prohibitive picks since last spring when Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and a slew of other pro prospects decided to return and give it another go after last year’s stunning 18-point semifinal loss to eventual champion Kansas. Nobody has more talent. But all eyes will be on Lawson’s sore toe. If he limps at all, all bets are off.
Sleeper: Gonzaga
Often, the Zags are sent across the country for opening rounds by the tournament selection committee. Not this time. They should feel right at home in Portland, which is a mere 350 miles from Spokane. Should Gonzaga make it to the regional final against North Carolina, the Zags have enough shooters to make it interesting. And free-spirited, 6-foot-11 Josh Heytvelt might irritate Tyler Hansbrough.
Upset alert: Western Ky. over Illinois
Illinois plays well as a team and has athleticism and size, but whether guard Chester Frazier will be available remains a mystery. Frazier, the team’s assists and steals leader, underwent what was described by Illini officials as “minor hand surgery” last week. If he’s out, Sun Belt champ Western Kentucky could smell blood. The Hilltoppers were good enough to beat Louisville.
Bracket breakdown
Oklahoma and Blake Griffin vs. North Carolina and Tyler Hansbrough would be one of the dream matchups of the NCAA Tournament. It would pit last year’s player of the year, Hansbrough, against this year’s, Griffin. Unless Gonzaga or Syracuse pull a surprise, that may happen. This is one corner of the bracket that could hold true to form. Question will be what Michigan does with its at-large spot.
The Post’s pick: Oklahoma. Blake Griffin is the toughest individual matchup in college basketball.
