2000-01 record: 26-7; 13-3 in ACC (1st) Final Ranking: No. 10 ESPN/USA Today Postseason: Lost to Penn State in second round of NCAA Tournament. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Capel 11.4 ppg | Rebounds: Capel 7.3 rpg | Assists: Capel 3.2 apg | FG %: Lang 55.0% | 3pt %: Capel 41.8% | FT %: Capel 78.5% 00-01 Stats: UNC | ACC

		Wed., Oct. 31 Don't count out Carolina. The Tar Heels are experiencing short-term growing pains, but will still be good. Jason Capel will be more of a point forward, helping to handle the ball and distribute it, and Kris Lang will have to spend more time at the center spot and diversify his offensive game so as not to be so predictable toward his jump hook. The keys will be the point guard position and the development of the freshmen. Whether it is sophomore Adam Boone, who is better than he gets credit for, or freshman Melvin Scott, a combo guard with a quick release and the ability to shoot off the dribble or the catch, Matt Doherty will find a stopgap until Raymond Felton arrives next season. Plus, don't be surprised if Ronald Curry hits the hardwood in December. Jawad Williams, the athletic forward who can play inside and out, and Jackie Manuel, the athletic wing who can run, finish and defend, will have to play major roles for the Heels to finish in the top three in the ACC.

UNC No. 20 in ESPN.com Top 25

Outlook
Up to five of the Tar Heels' top seven players from last season will be gone -- depending on what football players Ronald Curry and Julius Peppers do. Both have said they might not play hoops again -- and so second-year coach Matt Doherty faces a massive rebuilding job.

He will do it with a terrific trio of freshmen -- 6-foot-10 Jawad Williams, 6-6 Jackie Manuel and 6-2 Melvin Scott -- but first has to plug the gap at point guard. That position was the weakness of the team last season, and that player (Curry) might not be coming back. If Curry doesn't, the Tar Heels would be without their top three guards from last season.

They already know Forte is gone, as is top reserve Max Owens (graduated). That would leave these positions in the hands of some unproven sophomores -- Adam Boone at the point and Brian Morrison at either spot -- or freshmen Scott and Manuel. Boone plays smart but lacks major athletic ability. Morrison is the opposite. The jury's out on Scott and Manuel, though both are said to be able to score and defend.

The frontcourt should be the strength of the team, with 6-8 Jason Capel (11.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.4 apg) and 6-11 Kris Lang (11.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg) returning for their fourth seasons as starters. Williams, the freshman, is a rare talent. At 210 pounds he might not have the bulk to pound inside against ACC power forwards, but can shoot from the perimeter. This could be the season we see 7-5 Englishman Neil Fingleton, who redshirted last year with a back problem.

What we like: Doherty is bringing in great athletes to build a team that can run with the likes of Duke and Maryland. Whether they're good or not this season, the Tar Heels should be fun to watch.

What we don't like: Too many new starters, and new subs, make for a difficult year for UNC and its fans who have come to expect annual greatness.

The bottom line: The Tar Heels haven't finished out of the ACC's top three in more than 30 years. This looks like the year that streak ends.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Jason Capel	Sr.	G	6-8/224	PTS: 11.4 | REB: 7.3 | AST: 3.4
Kris Lang	Sr.	F	6-11/243	PTS: 11.3 | REB: 5.7 | AST: 0.7
Brian Morrison	So.	G	6-2/175	PTS: 3.0 | REB: 1.1 | AST: 1.2
Adam Boone	So.	G	6-2/182	PTS: 1.5 | REB: 0.9 | AST: 1.4

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Joe Forte	G	6-4/185	PTS: 20.9 | REB: 6.1 | AST: 3.5
Brendan Haywood	C	7-0/264	PTS: 12.3 | REB: 7.3 | AST: 1.3
Julius Peppers	F	6-6/280	PTS: 7.1 | REB: 4.0 | AST: 0.8
Ronald Curry	G	6-2/200	PTS: 5.5 | REB: 3.4 | AST: 4.2
Max Owens	G	6-5/198	PTS: 5.7 | REB: 1.4 | AST: 0.9

North Carolina Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Jackie Manuel	G	6-5	Ft. Lauderdale-Cardinal Newman (Fla.)
Jawad Williams	F	6-9	Lakewood-St Edwards (Ohio)
Melvin Scott	G	6-1	Baltimore-Baltimore Southern (Md.)