The final lap

All that red carpeting in the Legislative Building finally got a taste of Carolina blue.

Hundreds of legislators and Tar Heel fans packed the N.C. Senate floor Tuesday to honor the 2005 national champions in a joint session of the General Assembly.

Members of the UNC men’s basketball team — including Coach Roy Williams and his assistants — received a standing ovation as they filed in one by one onto the Senate floor, shaking the hands of those lining the path to greet them.

With onlookers spilling out the chamber doors, lawmakers passed a joint resolution recognizing the team for taking the national title in St. Louis last week.

“North Carolina is a grand old state, and the University is a priceless gem,” said Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, one of many sponsors of the resolution and a UNC alumnus.

“I’d just like to thank them for a job well done and reflecting so well upon themselves and upon us.”

Rep. Joe Hackney, D-Orange, followed, comparing basketball to the legislature before introducing Williams.

“You have to work as a team, the shots you take have to be good shots, and sometimes you just need good defense,” said Hackney, a UNC graduate.

Williams, who won his first national title last week after returning to his alma mater two years ago, told the crowd how proud he was of his players and how hard they had worked.

“They are a very gifted group of individuals, and the only reason they’re the 2005 national champions is because they worked as a team,” he said.

“It’s something our players will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Williams and the team were honored with a plaque from the General Assembly presented by House Speaker Jim Black, D-Mecklenburg, and Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, D-Dare.

“We do hope that all these men will come back next year,” joked Black, referring to reports that junior Rashad McCants will go pro next year and the rumors that others might follow.

After statements by a few legislators and no debate, the resolution passed after only a few minutes with 47 votes in favor and none opposed.

But the team wasn’t just brought to Raleigh for its skill on the court. Lawmakers also wanted to recognize the players for their academic achievements, Rand said.

Under the NCAA’s new academic standards, which penalize schools for players who drop out of good academic standing, the Tar Heels received a perfect score. They were one of only a few top-25 teams to do so.

“They represent the best of what an athlete can be,” said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, after the chamber passed the resolution.

“I hope that they appreciate that they hold a special place in our hearts for not only being the best in athletics but the best in academic achievement.”

After the passing of the resolution, Williams posed with lawmakers and UNC Chancellor James Moeser for pictures, departing with the team soon afterward as dozens of fans followed seeking autographs.

Hackney, who was on Franklin Street for the championship wins in 1982, 1993 and last week, said after the session’s end that the resolution was part of a tradition worth continuing.

The General Assembly honored the previous two UNC teams that took home the national title.

“It’s our leading state university. … It’s just appropriate that we honor the people who made it possible.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.