November 30, 2006

It was like a track meet down in Chapel Hill on Wednesday night. So many special athletes, incredible talent, but in the end, it was too much North Carolina as Roy Williams' squad got the W!

The speed and pace of the first half was absolutely incredible. It was as good as could be, especially when you think this is a November game!

Tyler Hansbrough showed why he is one of the nation's premier players, coming through big time in the second half. Wayne Ellington celebrated his 19th birthday by saying he would score 19 points. After getting two in the first half, he made his prophecy a reality with 17 big second half points.

Williams got his team going in the second half as the Tar Heels went on a run. Ohio State fought hard and I was very impressed with the play of Ron Lewis, who scored 30 points. The Buckeyes have a lot of talent and when Greg Oden finally takes the court, Ohio State will be a monster.

Thad Matta had an outstanding recruiting class and watching guys like Mike Conley Jr., David Lighty and Daequan Cook, this Ohio State squad is even better than I thought they would be. With Oden in the middle changing and blocking shots, watch put. I watched Oden at the shootaround the morning of the game and he was making all kinds of shots with his left hand as his right wrist is still healing.

I really feel both North Carolina and Ohio State will be serious contenders for spots at the Final Four in Atlanta. These are still young teams that will get better and better. We're not even in December and we are seeing some very high quality basketball. There are some great teams out there, with UCLA, Pittsburgh, Florida, Kansas and these two. Wow, this is going to be a great season my friends...

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.