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Is Ed Davis UNC's best player?

Ed Davis comes off the floor from warming up and greets Tar Heel fans before Round II of the NCAA first round in Greensboro, March 21, 2009. Photo by Todd Melet

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By Adam Harris
Mar 25, 2009

Tags: ACC

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"The x-factor for Carolina, to me, is Ed Davis.  He's the best pro prospect on their team."

Those are the words of Seth Greenberg on Tuesday afternoon.  The Virginia Tech head basketball coach took a break from a recruiting road trip to talk with The Insiders on 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio.

Greenberg spoke at length about how Gonzaga might game plan for UNC on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament.  After waxing poetic about getting back on defense, matching the intensity of Hansbrough and the fervor of Lawson, the head Hokie decided that Ed Davis is a big factor in the Tar Heels-Bulldogs Sweet 16 game.

X-factor does not necesarily mean that Ed Davis is Carolina's best player.  But, Davis has been very impressive for the Tar Heels.  The freshman from Richmond, VA leads Carolina in blocked shots and is second only to Tyler Hansbrough in rebounds for UNC with 6.7 per game.

In the NCAA Tournament, Davis' playing time has been increased by about four minutes per game, and it's paying dividends for the Tar Heels. 

Davis scored 24 points in Greensboro, an average of 12ppg.  That's five points better than his season average.  He's also collected 12 rebounds and blocked six shots in those two Tar Heels wins. 

Obviously, UNC has a plethora of scoring options.  The Tar Heels' balance is probably better than any team's in the nation.  That's why so many people believe UNC will win it all.

One could argue that Lawson is the MVP for Carolina, or that Hansbrough's play is more crucial to the Heels' success. 

But, after watching Carolina's freshman big man develop this season for UNC and elevate his play in the post-season, I'm buying what Greenberg is selling about Ed Davis being the x-factor for UNC.  He's scoring, rebounding and defending like a seasoned veteran.

"He's a guy that changes the game on the defensive end," says Greenberg.  "He can block shots.  He changes shots...  He protects the front of the rim."