Tough stretch awaits UNC hoops

North Carolina is certainly playing a national championship-caliber schedule this season. But with all five starters gone from last season's team, that could mean a treacherous road awaits the Tar Heels, who not only have to host the Fighting Illini just four games into the season, but then travel to Kentucky four days later. If the Heels still feel like playing after that potentially demoralizing stretch, they also face nonconference tests at Southern Cal (Dec. 21) and home against Arizona (Jan. 28). (Fayetteville Observer)