Back to school…

For many of you, the month of September means summer is over and its time to head back to school. For me, September means training camp is a few weeks away and it’s time to head back to work. Before I turned my focus completely on this upcoming season, I had to seal off my summer in a major way.  I also went back to school.  I’m sure you are thinking, “Why is Vince going back to school?”  Well, I actually went back to my alma mater, UNC, to celebrate 100 years of Carolina basketball.  Many of the former Tarheel players came back to play in the Pro-Alumni Charity Game, which benefited the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the UNC Children's Hospital. It’s an amazing feeling to be back on the court of the Smith Center, but what made this moment special were the reasons we were there.

In front of a sell out crowd of over 21,000 fans, we unveiled the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship banner for the 2009 season, which by the way, was our second in five seasons and fifth overall. In addition, we honored MJ (Michael Jordan) who is being enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Most importantly, we honored one of the greatest coaches of all time and the winningest coach in Division 1 men’s basketball history, Coach Dean Smith. Being a member of Coach Smith’s last team and witnessing the impact he had on the lives of his players, their families, and friends, I felt blessed to be a part of that breathtaking moment.

The overall atmosphere of the game was electric and star-studded. The White team, led by Detroit Pistons head coach, John Kuester, included Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Jerry Stackhouse, Danny Green, Marvin Williams, Jackie Manuel and Julius Peppers. My Blue team lead by Denver Nuggets head coach, George Karl, included Sean May, Wayne Ellington, Brandon Wright, and Shammond Williams to name a few.

Due to the fact that the fans couldn’t decide which team to cheer for, the Smith Center maintained a constant cheer throughout the entire game. This was a perfect way to end the summer while kicking off the new school year.  I feel fortunate to be an alumnus of such a great institution. I tip my hat to the 100 years of great UNC basketball and I look forward to the many great years ahead.

Go Heels…

Til next time,

VC