Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Sept. 9, 1977, edition 1 / Page 20
Part of Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page 4 The Talented John Virgil -Is He Through The Transition? David Squires Assistant Sports Editor When you’re a potential 50 point scoring threat, you’re apt to be the center of attention. However, when you possess the offensive talents above, yet play less than a minute per game, you will more than likely be the center of controversy. John Virgil was a center in high school and now that seems to be the prob lem. “I had a hard time adjusting from center to guard,” Virgil said in an interview last spring. The 6 feet 5 inch former Elm City star was a big factor in his team’s domi nation of 2-A post tournament basketball and Atlantic Coast Con ference competition. Virgil admits that he made a rocky transition from high school ball to the college game. “I need to work more on my ball handling,” he said. “De fense is also one of my weak areas. I’ll practice real hard this summer. When next season comes around I think I’ll be ready.” There were rumors that Virgil was going to transfer to another school. “Those were just rumors. People have asked me if I was go ing to transfer. I don’t plan to go anywhere. I like Carolina for its basketball program and for its academics.” Virgil acknowledges the fact that I need to work more on my ball handling. ” play. Playing the pivot, Virgil averaged 32.5 points per game in high school. The prep All American col lected 50 points in one district tournament game during his senior year. Many fans felt that Virgil would start for Carolina as a freshman. Af ter his crowd pleasing debut in the Blue-White game (he led all fresh men with 25 points, third highest for game honors behind Tommy LaGarde and Walter Davis) Carolina basketball patrons were sure that they would see a lot more of their home product. Alas, Virgil found that there’s a huge gap between 2-A high school ' ' $\\v he almost carried his talents to Oral Roberts University. “Yes, I was seriously thinking about going there until I visited the campus. They flew me to Oklahoma. The school was all right but it’s just too far from home. I decided to stay in the state, closer to my family and friends. His family, friends, and fans were disappointed with his initial college season, but Virgil accepts it as a part of the past. “It’s all be hind me now and I learned a lot. It’ll make me work harder to be ready this season,” he said. Like most of Dean Smith’s play ers, Virgil understands the value of a good education. “I know Carolina will give me a good education and I The Elm City native has the ability to be an offensive scoring machine. plan to graduate here,” he said. Many fans express the “I just don’t understand it” attitude to ward the benching of Virgil last season. Indeed it is something to think about. But Tarheel fans last season had too much to shout about and little room for criticism as the Heels followed the NCAA route to Atlanta with an assortment of bruises, sprains, and breaks be fore finally succumbing to Mar quette. At the end of the season, ■‘I will never forget that one,” he said. “It was on national television and State is our biggest rival.” In deed the dunk against N.C. State showed Virgil fans all over the state that John Virgil could still play basketball. His leaping ability is only matched by that of Tar Heel teammate Randy Wiehl. It’s true, John Virgil does have the potential to be a star. But when you win, there are no complaints. Thus if the Tarheels ‘7 know Carolina will give me a good education and I plan to graduate here. ” North Carolina fans were ready to make Coach Dean Smith President of the United States. Worrying about the “lack of play” of one freshman was not on their minds. Virgil, however, wasn’t without his good moments last season. He looks back at his Blue-White game performance as one of his greatest moments. And no one will forget his successive dunks in the North- South Doubleheaders nor will they forget his slam against N.C. State. win big again this season (with the offensive scoring talents of John Virgil watching from the side lines) again there’ll be no complaints. However, when the Tarheels hit the court this season, there’s little reason to believe that John Virgil won’t be a major attraction in the show. “I’ve made the transition to col lege ball,” he said. “I’ll be ready.” And you know something, I believe him. Black Ink Sports “Consistently number one" Gregory Clay Sports Editor David Squires Assistant Sports Editor The Super Writers Shelia Smith-Cameron Orlando Dobbins Skip Foreman Stella Jones Ray Ferry Virgil must adapt to the Tar Heel defensive system to realize his total potential.
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Sept. 9, 1977, edition 1
20
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75