Nov. 19 | ESPN.com's Preseason NIT coverage

I watched some of the North Carolina-Penn State Preseason NIT game on Monday night. Let me tell you something: I was impressed with the trio of freshmen for coach Matt Doherty's Tar Heels. Guard Rashad McCants, point guard Raymond Felton and forward Sean May are better than advertised.

UNC guard Rashad McCants has already said this is not a rebuilding year.

Think about these stats: 22-of-34 from the floor, 21 rebounds, 13 assists and 54 points. Yes, that's the combined box score of the talented trio. McCants established himself right away, with 10 points in the first 3½ minutes. He showed great range and also penetrated for explosive dunks. Felton also showed great passing skills and explosiveness. May not only did a great job on the glass but also keyed several fast breaks with outstanding outlet passes.

North Carolina raced out to a 49-21 lead, a great turnaround from last year's opener. Remember the Tar Heels' first game a season ago? That's right, a Shock City loss to Hampton, followed by another shocking home loss to Davidson.

Doherty wanted his team's confidence elevated early. Last year was so tough, as the Tar Heels went 8-20 and saw several streaks end: 31 straight 20-win seasons, 37 consecutive years in the top three in the ACC and 27 straight NCAA Tournament berths.

McCants has already said this is not a rebuilding year, claiming last season was just a bad one and is forgotten already. It sure seemed that way against Penn State.

Next, the Tar Heels face Rutgers, a tough defensive team. Coach Gary Waters' Scarlet Knights love to press and force turnovers, so this will be a challenge for UNC's young backcourt. Rutgers manhandled Columbia in the opening round, holding the Lions to 12 field goals. Guard Jerome Coleman is an underrated player for Rutgers.

Of course, there's a big difference between playing Columbia at home and North Carolina on Tobacco Road, baby!

I really believe this game is pivotal for Carolina. Doherty wants to develop a positive attitude after last year's disaster. It would be uplifting, something to build on, if the Tar Heels can earn a trip to Madison Square Garden. Having two games in Chapel Hill to open the tournament, North Carolina must take advantage of the situation.

Will this make or break UNC's season? Obviously not, because it's early. But I will tell you, it would give a tremendous psychological lift to the Tar Heels if they can advance to the Preseason NIT Final Four in the Big Apple.