NCAA Basketball- Thomas’ debut with FIU ends with defeat from a strong UNC

It was Isaiah Thomas’ first game as head coach for Florida International University, but the former pro’s debut game wasn’t all celebration and good feeling. FIU was torn apart by the defending national champion, the University of North Carolina, in a very one-sided 88-72 game Monday night. The event took place at the 2K Sports Classic at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In the end, North Carolina was just too big for Florida, whose lack of defense was key for the defeat. Thomas, who had entered the game with high energy and respect for his new team, couldn’t have imagined that playing against UNC would be so difficult. The UNC team demonstrated its solidity and skill against FIU, despite the absence of last season’s big players. North Carolina’s three most talented members – Tyler Hansbrough and fellows Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington – became first draft picks in the NBA, but the team proved that it still had a deep reservoir of talented players. The UNC is doing just fine without its stars; in fact, the players may still have a shot at this year’s title. The most experience players on the team are Deon Thompson and Marcus Ginyard. Ginyard has been with the team for five years, but spent most of last season sidelined with a foot injury. Regardless, Ginyard proved himself a strong player, and his knowledge of the game may help his team in the upcoming matches. This year, Thomson is trying to return as the top scorer of the season, maintaining his record from last year. And with 20 points scored on Monday, he is well on his way – he helped the Tar Heels to a 1-0 lead, with 7 of 11 shots from the field and took 10 rebounds. Ed Davis also added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots, while Ginyard added 12 points. The sophomore of the team, Larry Drew II, added 7 points, 6 assists, and 2 turnovers in his 21 minutes of play. There were moments when North Carolina’s players didn’t seem as balanced as they used to be, but coach Roy Williams was not concerned; the season is just beginning, and only time will tell what system works best. "For the most part, I thought we were active. We were trying hard," Williams said. "We just weren't very sharp. But it's what you should expect this time of year." Thomas, on the other hand, was pleased with his team, despite the performance. The retired champion was hired to give a breath of fresh air to the FIU basketball program. The program is coming out of nine consecutive losing seasons. Thomas’ first coaching experience also comes at a difficult time in his personal life: his mother underwent open-heart surgery on the day of the game. She was in his thoughts. "My mom raised me to fight, and she told me she doesn't want to die," Thomas said. "She's fighting to live, and she told me to go to work and fight for our team." And hopefully, for FIU fans, fight he will. Thomas has awakened hope for the team and its supporters. We will just have to wait and see the results.