Guthridge finally wins over North Carolina fans

Posted: Sun March 22, 1998 at 7:17 PM ET

In just his first season as head coach, Guthridge has the Tar Heels two wins away from another NCAA championship    (AP)

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (CNN/SI) -- Bill Guthridge, the 60-year-old rookie coach, knew he would have hard time winning over Carolina's rabid fans. For Franklin Street, the main drag of bars, shops and restaurants adjacent to the North Carolina campus, was a quiet, somber place October 9, 1997 -- the day Dean Smith announced his retirement.

But 163 days later, the campus' hub of social activity was buzzing with hordes of fans clad in Carolina blue -- less than 20 hours after the Tar Heels advanced to their fifth Final Four this decade with a 75-64 win over Connecticut in the East Regional final at Greensboro, North Carolina.

And the fans who had their doubts six months ago couldn't stop praising Guthridge as they searched shops for Final Four T-shirts or baseball caps bearing the school's emblem.

"I thought we were in big trouble after Dean left. I thought this program would lose it and go off the deep end," said Benny Helton of Mount Holly, North Carolina. "That didn't happen. Guthridge has just done a tremendous job."

"I had a lot of skepticism about [Guthridge] for a while," said Ron Vernon of Greensboro. "But when I saw him start making pressure decisions and keep Carolina winning, that's when I started believing. He's been outstanding."

North Carolina (34-3) tied a school-record for wins in a season with the victory and Guthridge set an NCAA record for wins in a season by a rookie coach. He was typically low-key on his weekly television show Sunday.

"I'm so pleased with our team," Guthridge said. "We've worked so hard to get there and I'm glad we've enjoyed these games. We have to enjoy the journey and I think we have."

Ragged strands of toilet paper wafting from the leafless trees that line the street were the only signs Sunday of the massive celebration triggered by the previous night's victory.

Chapel Hill police did not have arrest figures Sunday but no serious disturbances were reported.

"Things were three or four times worse after the first Duke game [a 97-73 North Carolina win February 5]," freshman Sean Busher said. "I didn't even think people would go out. I didn't think it was even a big game. I know they were the No. 2 seed and all, but it was only UConn."

The players said after Saturday's win they've enjoyed their tournament run but will be disappointed if they don't return from San Antonio with the school's fourth national title.

"It feels great being able to go back to the Final Four but we know we have another game ahead of us," said Shammond Williams, who scored 19 points Saturday. "We've got to get focused all over again ..."

Point guard Ed Cota said the team would also like to win the crown for Guthridge, the seventh coach in history to guide his team to the Final Four in his first season.

"He's done a great job," said Cota, who had nine assists against the Huskies. "He's had some big shoes to fill. I'm happy for him. We all want to win it all for him."

The Tar Heels will play Utah (29-3) in the national semifinals. North Carolina has won seven of eight meetings between the two, the last in the 1986 NCAA tournament.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.