donbosco
Legend of ZZL
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This backcourt duo ran the show during my own blossoming as a die-hard Heel and devotee of The Game. They paired up in the backcourt in 1970-71 and 1971-72, years in which Carolina had records of 28-6 and 28-5. That first season the team suffered a soul-crushing ACC Final loss to Sub Carolina then rallied to take the NIT Championship - a legitimate prize in the days of an often random and capricious 25 team NCAA tournament selection.
Senior leader Previs and Karl hit the court in 1971-72 buttressed by two new big men in Junior College transfer Robert McAdoo and freshman Bobby Jones, both native Tar Heels (GSO & Charlotte). That squad battled through the ACC at a 9-3 clip with losses to dook, Maryland, and state. Out of conference an early December upset to Princeton marred the overall count. Ultimately, that team lost in the Final Four semis to a charmed Florida State that nevertheless fell before John Wooden’s UCLA Machine.
I was 11-12 years old in those days and nights of hoops. From there onward basketball would steadily edge out other sports as my greatest love. Yes, baseball has its magic and tennis will always be with me, but hoops is nigh religion to this Tar Heel and these two, Previs with his dedication to defense and team play passing, and Karl with the flare and offense made for a showcase of the things a Carolina guard could be, what a Carolina guard should aspire to be. They were the puzzle pieces on display for me of how we each give what we can to make the sum total greater. I continue to this day watching for that court philosophy and am heartened when I see it come to fruition.
That kind of teamwork and sacrifice was a mark of Coach Smith’s career. Not every team was as successful in it as the next but when it hit it was a beautiful thing to watch. The lucky among us have had that feeling, likely fleeting but still exhilarating, on the court, in a choir or band, on stage, or at a job where we clicked synchronously with our compatriots.
I look for that sense of things today and pray for any small visitation from it. When it happens revel in it. If you’ve got it anywhere, anytime embrace it. If you’ve had it think back in joy. It’s the small things that often loom so large. To Previs and Karl for giving me that first glimpse of the sublime nature of giving to the team. Salute.