Losing Wears huge blow to UNC's depth

We thought the throbbing pain that Carolina basketball consistently inflicted since New Year's Day ended with the loss in the NIT final. But Dave Wear had a little May surprise for all Tar Heels fans and the pain is back.

Dave is the father of twin big men Travis and David Wear who, until this week ,were members of the UNC basketball team and apparently eager to play for the Tar Heels next season. We find out today that the Wears are transferring to be closer to their California home, and rumors have UCLA as the likely landing spot for the twins.

Was this a decision made by the twins or was it made by their dad?

Tweeting UNC players seemed stunned by the news and coach Roy Williams' comments in the press release clearly indicate that the players and the coaching staff didn't see this coming. If the Wears were unhappy, one would think that players on the team or the coaches would have known about it.

It sounds like Dad was calling the shots.

I believe that what we have here is a dad who was worried about his kids' playing time. He likely wondered if playing elsewhere would improve his sons' chances of showing off their talents to NBA scouts. It also likely preferred David be closer to home since he's dealing with a hip injury that probably would have limited his play next season anyway.

What does this mean for next season?

In short, it means that this team better get strong play from its point guards because the Tar Heels will have to push the tempo even more to take advantage of their speed and quickness. And they have to shoot much better from the perimeter.

Without the Wears, the team won't be that physical inside and -- barring any late additions -- will have only two true post players. Losing one big man would hurt depth. Losing two cripples the Tar Heels' depth.

John Henson reportedly has been adding weight during the offseason, but still has a long way to go before he is a physical player. Tyler Zeller can be physical, but also is injury-prone. Players will be forced to play out of position, and it will get even worse if Zeller gets hurt.

Some recruiting experts are suggesting there could be options in the current high school senior class, but they wouldn't nearly be as polished as the Wears.

Unfortunately, the Carolina basketball offseason just got a lot more interesting.