Wear Twin Powers Activate!

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (OP)— New Florida International coach Isiah Thomas could only watch in awe as North Carolina’s superrecruit twins, Travis and David Wear, opened their soon-to-be historic collegiate careers by leading the defending national champion Tar Heels to a 88-72 crushing victory on Monday night in the 2K Sports Classic.

David Wear scored 3 points while twin brother Travis Wear added 2 points for North Carolina (1-0) against the undersized and overawed Golden Panthers (0-1). The twosome also contributed 2 boards and 3 assists on their way to stunning upstart FIU. North Carolina kicked off its centennial season against Thomas, the Hall of Fame player and former NBA coach who took over the long-struggling program in April. It was clear early, however, that there would be no storybook tale for the Golden Panthers on this night.

Amidst the inspirational towel-waving of perennial benchwarmers and walkons reminiscent of last season’s Tar Heel championship run, the Wear twins showed no mercy. North Carolina used a FG from Travis Wear, who shot 100% for the game (1 for 1), to open a lead that they never relinquished. From there, it was David Wear who carved up the Golden Panther defense with his precision passes for 3 assists vs only 1 turnover.

Still, North Carolina looked lackluster aside from the Wear twins, committing 26 turnovers to confound Tar Heel coach Roy Williams. "Dadgum, I may have to start David at point guard this season. These other guys just aren’t worth the suits on their backs. You want a Coke?
 
Despite their overwhelming dominance, the Wears’ were not without momentary difficulties. Both stellar freshmen were each whistled for a single foul in the contest. Williams gently chided the officiating in his regular folksy manner. “By gosh, once we circulate photographs of the twins in the ACC office and swap them out for Tyler’s, we expect things will correct themselves accordingly.”

Florida International made headlines when it hired the NBA hall-of-fame player Thomas, who was a controversial and less-than-successful NBA coach. This matchup had previously brought some offseason drama when FIU and Thomas initially balked at playing North Carolina in the 2K Sports Classic, saying it would be an impossible task with the Wear twins on the Tar Heel roster. The Golden Panthers had hoped to schedule a more manageable opponent, such as the Miami Heat. When denied an NCAA waiver to play the in-state professional club, FIU officials resigned themselves to their dismal fate though reluctance still apparently remained.

Thomas was a late arrival onto the court, just before the national anthem had started. He walked to the bench and was greeted warmly by Williams—who was an assistant for the Tar Heels when Thomas-led Indiana got lucky and downed UNC for the 1981 NCAA championship. “I knew we were screwed once I saw the Wears in the layup line,” admitted Thomas. “I didn’t even want to go out there.” When asked about the exchange with Williams, Coach “I” smiled sheepishly. “He told me he’d only play them sparingly to save my job… and then he offered me a Coke.”

The Wear’s each played only 10 minutes for a combined 20 minutes for the game, a testament to Williams’ honesty and sportsmanship. “Actually, I thought it was the same kid”, said Coach Williams with a shrug.

North Carolina wore throwback uniforms as part of a yearlong celebration of its 100th season. “Travis and David made these,” said Williams. “They can do it all.”

In related recruiting news, top-rated senior Harrison Barnes officially dropped the Tar Heels from consideration following tonight’s game. “There is no way I’d ever see the court if I had to play behind the Wears. They’re just too good. I’m not even sure I should go to Duke now either. I’d have to play against them at least twice per season. No way. UCLA is looking better and better!”

Deion Thomason added 20 for the victors in mopup duty.