The fourth men’s national basketball championship banner will soon be hung in the Dean E. Smith Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina. The Tar Heels defeated Illinois 75-70 Monday night in a perfect example of what happens when a long term plan is executed to perfection.

This wasn’t a team of destiny, it was a team built for success with five McDonald’s All-Americans, including “the big three” which were signed three years ago, setting a firm foundation for a national championship. All that was missing was a respect demanding coach to nurture and develop the abundance of talent. Enter Roy Williams, a hungry, UNC alum, and championship game coach.

The team was flawless, how could it not have won?

Led by a fearlessly fast point guard with an overwhelming will to win and a knack for the clutch, UNC was assured to always be in control when Ray Felton had the ball. Felton had 17 points and seven assists in the championship game, including a crucial three-pointer and three free-throws with time running out.

Paced by a space taking center with flawless footwork, soft touch and incredible finesse around the rim, the Tar Heels had a go to guy. Whenever the basket seemed to be shrinking, Sean May would open it back up with a text book post move and a swish, pulling the Heels out of a drought. May had 26 points and 10 rebounds in the championship game, missing only one shot from the floor.

Spearheaded by an offensive juggernaut too strong to be defended but demanding respect from beyond the arc and in the lane, North Carolina had its scoring threat that could bury any opponent. Rashad McCants, a talent so great that even his criticizers admire him, had big game after big game for the Tar Heels. He had 14 points in the championship game.

Guided by what every great team needs: seniors. Jawad Williams and Jackie Manuel, are the ambassadors and perseveres of the North Carolina program. Williams, the quiet scorer and steady contributor; Manuel, the defensive specialist, glued the team together. Williams had nine points in the championship game.

Supported by an endless bench of experience and talent, The Tar Heels were capable of pounding, attacking, and outlasting any foe. Most notably, Marvin Williams became the ACC’s best sixth man, giving UNC over 20 quality minutes of play a game. The freshman could score from anywhere and rebounded with the best of them. Williams had eight points and five rebounds in the championship game, including a game clinching tip-in near the end of regulation.

Watching the Tar Heels throughout the season and in the championship game, it became more and more clear. This was a team that almost could not lose, a team that definitely should not lose. And lose they did not, bringing the national championship trophy back to the state of North Carolina. This is the first championship for the Tar Heels since 1993 and maybe the school’s most impressive.

Impressive but not surprising, considering the Tar Heels had what every program strides for: a perfect team.